‘He would certainly be one I’d be happy to take’ – PBKS bowler sets his sights on Virat Kohli’s wicket during IPL 2026

Australia and Punjab Kings (PBKS) fast bowler Ben Dwarshuis has expressed his desire to take the prized wicket of Virat Kohli during the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. 

Dwarshuis was picked up by PBKS at the mini auction in December for INR 4.40 crore, following a tense bidding war with first Chennai Super Kings and then Gujarat Titans. 

The 31-year-old, however, is yet to make his IPL debut, with last year’s finalists deciding to go with his compatriot Xavier Bartlett as their overseas fast bowler. 

Dwarshuis is waiting for his chance in the team, and when it comes, he would love to play against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and get the better of Kohli.

“There are probably six or seven Indian players ​I could rattle off, but it’s tough to go past taking Virat Kohli’s wicket, whether it’s at ​home or down in Bangalore. He would certainly be one I’d be happy to take,” Dwarshuis was quoted as saying on Hindustan Times. 

Unfortunately for Dwarshuis, PBKS are scheduled to play RCB just once during the Group Stage. The game would be Punjab’s penultimate game of the season, taking place on Sunday, May 17, in Dharamshala. This excludes any games that the two sides might play should they qualify for the playoffs.

Dwarshuis also understands the importance of playing on the big stage, like the IPL, to have a successful career going forward. Therefore, picking Kohli’s wicket on the grand stage could do him a world of good, not only across the franchise circuit but also for his international career. 

“Any time you take ‌the field and have an opportunity to perform, there’s always going to be eyes watching, whether it’s from ​Australia or other leagues. With the viewership these competitions get, it’s very easy to have a couple of good years, and everyone’s talking about you. But then if you’re not performing well, that sort of viewership ​leads ​to maybe fewer opportunities there,” he added.

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Both Kohli and Dwarshuis have played against one another just once in their careers. That came during the semi-finals of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, which India won by four wickets after Kohli scored 84 off 98 deliveries.