India, May 3 -- The 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League is turning out to be a delight for those who romance statistics in cricket. Around 15 years back, when the IPL was still young, people said it was nothing more than 'pyjama' club cricket played under the arc lights. Today, when seasoned pros and bubbly youngsters are catching the eye, it ensures the visibility of the IPL stays constantly high. One does not need to look at viewing figures alone. Sometimes, numbers alone cannot reflect the emotions in a match. What matters to the hardcore fans is the energy in a match. A unique instance of a match happening in New Delhi at the good old Ferozeshah Kotla, rechristened as the Arun Jaitley Stadium, and yet fans waiting more to see the rival side do well is a reality.
To cut the suspense, fans thronged the arena near Delhi Gate to see Virat Kohli in action, more than anyone else. Imagine a boy born in West Delhi, having learnt all the nuances of cricket in the Capital and now paying visits to his hometown only once in a while-it is surprising. Yet, one needs to know, such is the aura of Kohli, and how he energises the entire Royal Challengers Bengaluru team, fans do not mind it even if their 'home' side, Delhi Capitals, is at the receiving end. To be sure, fans of the IPL are not hooked to team loyalty alone, unless it is the Chennai Super Kings. One has seen in the 2026 edition of the IPL that Indian stars are more in the news by sheer weight of performance. The chatter is as much over Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, just 15, who sets the arena ablaze when he turns out for Rajasthan Royals. Such has been his impact on the game that people are asking if Sachin Tendulkar was also so robust at the same age.
Comparisons in cricket will never end. A Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for the Rajasthan Royals and Abhishek Sharma turning out for Sunrisers Hyderabad is exciting. At the same time, Down South, the way Sanju Samson has been firing for CSK is also an indication that he will be there with the Chennai franchise for a long time. If one thought the Young Turks are the flavour, what Virat Kohli has done is something magnificent. To cross 9,000 runs in the IPL at the age of 36 defines his aura and stage presence. Most importantly, there is nothing like showing off; he performs with the bat and inspires the RCB side. At a time when captains of various teams are under the scanner, King Kohli has rightly chosen to play a mentor role as well, which is pronounced.
At this stage of his career, he is enjoying every bit of his club cricket, which is defined by 9,000 runs plus his approach. He does not take it lightly at all, and the commitment to the team cause in various ways is captivating. In international cricket, Kohli has played under MS Dhoni mainly. There is a rub-off effect in how Kohli learnt and is now willing to impart valuable lessons to RCB captain Rajat Patidar, as well as the fast bowlers in the side. For those who say the IPL is all about batters clobbering bowlers and that there is nothing in the track for the bowlers, the Kotla was a revelation. The RCB versus Delhi Capitals match is still being discussed for the way two swing bowlers, past their prime and in their mid-30s, showed how to swing the ball in adverse conditions. How Bhuvneshwar Kumar still makes the white ball wobble and strike is a treat to watch. The way Bhuvi and Josh Hazlewood decimated the Delhi Capitals was outstanding. Imagine a city reeling under a heat wave saw these two consummate swing bowlers in their elements. This is where Kohli was egging on the two opening bowlers as they wrecked the Delhi Capitals in the Powerplay. Bhuvi is the master of swing and is happy to be playing his trade in the IPL. But for Hazlewood to plot the dismissal of KL Rahul, courtesy advice from Kohli, was an eye-opener. The former India captain was pointing to the spot where the Aussie had to land the ball. Sure enough, Rahul was trapped in a planned strategy.
It takes a genius like Virat Kohli to show how much he is part of RCB. And for him to demonstrate all this in Delhi, against the Delhi Capitals, nobody minds it. Any sport, notably the leagues, is all about being part of the side. Kohli loves Delhi for what he learned from this city at a young age. Yet, when he is playing in the same city against a rival side, his energy levels are so different. For those who marvel at Kohli, one needs to look at Bhuvi and his contributions in the IPL. To cross 200 wickets in this gruelling format as a medium pacer has not been easy. Commentators and former cricketers keep saying the IPL is a death knell for bowlers. Someone like Jasprit Bumrah has struggled this season for the Mumbai Indians. Imagine the nation's most dreaded bowler is being whacked these days by all and sundry. In contrast, Bhuvi has nothing to lose and produces such a wonderful swing that he flummoxes batters. Born in Meerut and having played good international cricket for India across all three formats-Tests, ODIs and T20 internationals-Bhuvi does not mind that he is no longer part of Team India. His last international appearance was four years back. And yet, if there is a true legend as a bowler in the IPL, it has to be Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Away from international cricket, staying fit and sharp is not easy. But then, the IPL is about commitment and preparation. A bowler's skills never fade away. They rely on memory and how they have worked towards this stage of becoming a champion. Bhuvi has treated the white ball specially, keeping it clean, shining on one side and then making it wobble. For those who can see the prodigious swing, even in the harsh conditions of the IPL, where there is nothing in the wicket, Bhuvi is a class act. That he is with the right team-RCB-is also important. By now, it is clear that RCB is a side where players are respected and trusted. For the veterans like Virat Kohli and Bhuvneshwar Kumar to be part of the Bengaluru franchise with pride says a lot. The ownership of the team has changed, yet, on the field, RCB looks like a composite side. There is a calm and cool feeling on the side, where players do not feel the heat. For such a thing to happen, men behind the scenes are important as well. Andy Flower's presence as head coach, along with Dinesh Karthik's presence as batting coach, is important. At the same time, Omkar Salvi as bowling coach, also has an important role to play. Look at how some top-heavy sides like the Mumbai Indians, Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals are struggling. In comparison, RCB appear teflon-coated. What one sees in a match is just one part. Preparation for a match involves a lot more, which is lacking in the Mumbai, Delhi and Lucknow franchises. Just imagine, the Mumbai Indians are loaded with so many stars, and yet there is no synergy. For the record, even Sachin Tendulkar is part of the MI side. What baffles fans is how the Mumbai side is just not able to do anything worthwhile, with so many star players in the ranks and a support staff that is paid handsomely. As for the Delhi Capitals, this concept of shared ownership between GMR and JSW is weird. Forget synergy; there is something amiss big time, with unknown names in coaching and mentorship roles. Perhaps that is why Axar Patel looks clueless as a captain and is unable to deliver. His confidence level is at an all-time low. Patel's comments after losing to RCB were almost like an apology. As the Indian T20 vice-captain, Patel does not seem to have anyone to fall back on in the Delhi Capitals who can guide him. With the passing of each day in IPL 2026, it is becoming clear that the difference between performing teams and non-performing teams is worrying. Nobody wants to see a tournament where, by the mid-stage, the bottom half resembles rubble. For sheer intensity, RCB, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad have surged ahead.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.