Virat Kohli at “Peak of His Powers” as RCB Begin IPL Title Defence, Says Andy Flower

Virat Kohli looks mentally sharp and “hungry” ahead of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL opener vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, says coach Andy Flower, as RCB return to Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Virat Kohli At 'Peak Of His Powers', Says RCB Coach Andy Flower (Image Source: AFP)

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.

The 37-year-old and Bengaluru face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League season opener on Saturday.

They ended their long wait for a maiden IPL title last season at the 18th attempt.

Former captain Kohli, who has retired from Tests and T20 internationals, now represents India in just the 50-over format.

"Virat is in a really good space mentally," Flower told reporters.

"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."

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.

Players will wear black armbands and 11 seats will be left vacant permanently.

"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.

"It's another time, so it's time to move on from that."

The stampede took place a day after RCB won the final against Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad and returned to a homecoming trophy parade.