The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) they are currently riding a wave of momentum that most franchises can only dream of. After finally ending their drought in 2025, the defending champions ran out of blocks. IPL 2026 with a commanding victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad. While their clinical performance on the field grabs the headlines, it is the infectious camaraderie behind the scenes that suggests this ‘New Age RCB’ is built on more than just talent, but true brotherhood.
Virat Kohli entertains his teammates with his Romario Shepherd impression
Nothing captured that spirit better than the recent viral video from the RCB practice sessions. The clip has a talismanic bent Virat Kohli He is seen entertaining his teammates with his perfect, comedic facial expressions West India center of power Romario Shepherd. Known for his high-octane intensity during matches, Kohli channeled his inner comedian to replicate Shepherd’s unique, wide-positional power build. The imitation, complete with Shepherd’s distinctive rear lift and aggressive follow-through, left the entire cast including. Phil Salt and mentor Dinesh Karthikin breakdowns.
The choice of victim for Kohli’s tricks is no accident. Shepherd quickly turned from a tactical signing into a cult hero in the RCB dressing room. Since joining in 2025, the Guyanese all-rounder has delivered moments of pure gold. Fans still talk about his 14-ball 53 against CSK last season, the knock that paved the way for a play-off berth. Shepherd further cemented his legacy by sacking the PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer In the 2025 final, the turning point that secured RCB’s first trophy.
Shepherd’s 2026 campaign is off to an equally explosive start, demolishing SRH’s top order with three wickets. Kohli’s light-hearted ribbing of Shepherd’s batting style reflects a team that is comfortable in its own skin. When the best fighter in the world feels free to joke around with the team’s primary finisher, it often speaks to a lack of pre-dynasty hierarchy. Kohli himself is not just kidding; he leads by example on the field, starting the season with a magnificent 69 off 38 balls and proving that his purple patch is far from over.
We present the video:
VIRT KOHLI IN HITTING FACE IMMITTING ROMARIO SHEPHERD. 😂♥️
– King Kohli, what a character! pic.twitter.com/CMwbCnwmjl
— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) April 1, 2026
Also WATCH: Virat Kohli takes a hilarious quiz on RCB records
Kohli’s mentorship and RCB’s road to the South Derby
Laughter aside, the RCB camp remains a hub for elite mentorship. Young left arm spinner Vicki Ostwal recently shed light on a deeper side of RCB culture. Ostwal shared how Kohli carefully analyzed his net sessions, offering the youngster precise feedback on mentality and execution. Coach is this balance of fun and attention Andy Flower and working for mentor Karthik.
The mood in the Bengaluru camp could not have been better, but the final test looms large. RCB are set to face their arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK)this Sunday, April 5th. As the team transitions from the simplicity of Kohli’s impressions to the tactical rigor of the Southern Derby, the defending champions look more dangerous than ever. If the harmony in the dugout is any indication, the RCB faithful may have another trophy parade to plan for in 2026.
Also WATCH: Phil Salt takes a one-handed catch to remove the dangerous Ishan Kishan during the RCB vs SRH clash
