Bengaluru, 21 March (H.S.):

Defending IPL champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru ramped up preparations ahead of IPL 2026 with former captain Virat Kohli cautioning teammates that this seasons hurdles will be even tougher on Saturday.

RCB who clinched their maiden title in 2025 kick off against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28 at M Chinnaswamy Stadium followed by a home clash versus five-time champions Chennai Super Kings on April 5.

During the teams first practice session at Chinnaswamy Kohli told a small group that sustaining their success from the past two-three seasons demands extra grit now that rivals will throw everything at them to topple the champs.

He urged full focus from the outset saying We cant waste these days We must give 120 percent in every session without squandering a single minute.

Head coach Andy Flower welcomed new auction buys like Venkatesh Iyer Mangesh Yadav Jordan Cox Vicky Ostwal and Satvik Deswal before Kohlis motivational words.

Flower expressed satisfaction with the squads balance noting Our jersey now bears a star which fills us with pride but last season is history We enter this new challenge determined to win.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar