India, March 29 -- Before the season began, a Royal Challengers Bengaluru player remarked on a podcast that Virat Kohli was looking the best he ever has - 2016 level, record-breaking good. It's a long tournament and momentum can swing wildly over two and a half months, but on opening night, Kohli gave Chinnaswamy exactly what it came for: a grand, commanding welcome back.

The defending champions began their defence in commanding fashion, defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad by 6 wickets.

Chasing 202, Kohli did what he does best. At the other end, homeboy Devdutt Padikkal, back in RCB colours after being traded by Rajasthan Royals, came out firing, racing to 28 off just 10 balls and allowing Kohli to settle into his rhythm.

Fresh off an excell...