The Indian Premier League is almost here. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru open their title defence against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday, and the spotlight is already on the familiar faces at the centre of it all.
Virat Kohli. Rohit Sharma. MS Dhoni. Three modern greats. Three very different situations heading into IPL 2026.
Former India batter and commentator Aakash Chopra weighed in on all three, and his take on who has the toughest job this season made for compelling listening.
What Chopra Said About Kohli and Rohit
GettyRoyal Challengers Bengaluru’s Virat Kohli.
Chopra’s view on Kohli was straightforward. The 37-year-old remains the most prolific batter in IPL history, with 8,661 runs in 267 matches. He holds the record for the most runs in a single season with 973 in 2016, and his eight centuries are the most the tournament has ever seen. None of that surprises Chopra, who believes Kohli’s situation is as favourable as it gets at this stage of his career.
“The focus will be on Virat Kohli again because the guy is so fit,” Chopra said. “The kind of fitness that he has achieved over a period of time makes him the best suited, also because he is an opener. The same is true for Rohit Sharma as well, but between the two of them, I still feel Virat Kohli has it a little easier just because of himself. That is the price he has to pay for the kind of fitness and legacy he has built.”
RCB head coach Andy Flower backed that assessment up from the training ground. “Virat is in a really good space mentally,” Flower said. “He’s very comfortable with himself but still incredibly hungry. Watching him in training, he looks at the peak of his powers.”
For Rohit, Chopra sees no change in approach with Mumbai Indians this season. The batting order around him demands aggression from the jump, and there is no room for a different tempo.
“When you are part of the batting order that the Mumbai Indians have, it is mandatory to set the tone for Rohit Sharma,” Chopra said. “If you are part of a setup where there is Quinton de Kock at the other end, followed by Tilak, Surya, Hardik, you need to maximise the 20 overs, which basically means maximising the first six overs.”
Why Dhoni Has the Hardest Job of All
GettyChennai Super Kings‘ captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
If Kohli has it easier than Rohit, Chopra’s view is that Dhoni has it harder than both. The former Chennai Super Kings captain is now on the wrong side of 40, arriving at the IPL after months without competitive cricket and walking straight into one of the most demanding roles in the tournament.
“It is a little difficult for Dhoni as well because he is on the wrong side of 40,” Chopra said. “For him, not to play anything for 10 months, turn up for the IPL and switch on, and also play at a number where he gets only 10-12 balls, is the toughest thing to do. Then there are also 20 overs of keeping, so his job is perhaps the toughest.”
The combination of limited batting time and the physical demands of keeping for a full match is a challenge few players at any age would relish. At 44, it is an extraordinary ask.
Kohli and RCB’s Title Defence
Flower was measured about the task ahead for the defending champions. Last season’s success is not something the camp is dwelling on. The group has changed, the opponents have evolved, and the Chinnaswamy has its own complications after RCB dropped their first three home games last year before turning their season around.
“Of course we are the holders from last year, but this is a brand new year,” Flower said. “The challenge of this IPL will be completely different.”
Kohli’s form gives RCB a foundation to build from. Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has rejoined the squad and is expected to be available soon after missing the opener due to his late arrival. Captain Rajat Patidar, who guided the franchise to their maiden title last season, leads a settled group with clear leadership throughout.
Final Word
Chopra called it plainly. Kohli has the edge. Rohit has a clear mandate. Dhoni has the toughest job of the three.
IPL 2026 gets underway on Saturday. Whether the defending champions can back it up will depend heavily on how the man at the top of their order starts the season.
Kohli at the peak of his powers, according to his own coach. The rest of the competition has been warned.
Virat Kohli Gets Blunt Message From Ex-India Star Ahead of IPL 2026