Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Krunal Pandya(PTI Photo/Shailendra Bhojak) BENGALURU: Nearly 15 years ago, on matting wickets in Palej, a small town in Gujarat’s Bharuch district, a lanky youngster learnt the value of adaptation. Bowling with coated balls in local village tournaments, he quickly realised there would be little assistance for spin and survival depended on discipline,…

RCB’s Virat Kohli, left, and Rajat Patidar during the IPL 2026 opener. (AP Photo) NEW DELHI: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru kicked off IPL 2026 in style, but skipper Rajat Patidar made it clear who stood at the heart of their dominant six-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad — Virat Kohli.Chasing 202 at the M Chinnaswamy…