Virat Kohli is hungry and at the "peak of his powers", with his IPL team Royal Challengers Bengaluru set to start their title defence, coach Andy Flower said Friday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 37-year-old and Bengaluru face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League season opener on Saturday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
They ended their long wait for a maiden IPL title last season at the 18th attempt.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Former captain Kohli, who has retired from Tests and T20 internationals, now represents India in just the 50-over format.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Virat is in a really good space mentally," Flower told reporters.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"He's very comfortable with himself but still incredibly hungry, and watching him strike the ball in training, he looks at the peak of his powers."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
RCB return to their home M. Chinnaswamy Stadium with mixed emotions after 11 fans died celebrating the team's title triumph outside the venue last year.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Players will wear black armbands and 11 seats will be left vacant permanently.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"It was very satisfying professionally for everyone, of course, but a really emotional time for all sorts of reasons at the end of last season," Flower told reporters.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"It's another time, so it's time to move on from that."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The stampede took place a day after RCB won the final against Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad and returned to a homecoming trophy parade.
\r\n <\/p>\r\n",
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