Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan reckons that the upcoming IPL season could be a bit more challenging for Virat Kohli. This will be Kohli’s first IPL after retiring from Test cricket, and he is now only playing ODI cricket for India.
Why will things be different for Kohli in IPL 2026?
Pathan pointed out that even though Kohli has been in great form in ODIs, T20 cricket is a very different format and could test him, especially after a break.
“This time, things will be a little different for Kohli. For the first time, he will play the IPL having completely retired from Test cricket. He is playing only one format. It is not easy for anyone. But he has scored, and his performance has been brilliant. Even when he comes after a break, it has not been difficult for him in one-day cricket," Pathan was quoted as saying on his YouTube channel.
“In T20S, when you play the aggressor and come in not having played a lot, it will be challenging. But he has faced many challenges before as well. I am very excited to see how he will go forward this season," he added.
How Virat Kohli changed his approach in IPL 2025?
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Pathan also spoke about how Kohli changed his approach last season, which played a big role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru winning the title in 2025. Instead of playing a steady role, Kohli batted more aggressively and kept a high strike rate.
“Virat Kohli and RCB is an identity that goes together. He started with RCB and is still playing for them. He has delivered brilliant performances. It was also a golden period in his career when he captained the team; there were a lot of brilliant performances. When they won last season, his strike rate also went up. He did not play anchor but took the role of an aggressor. It was a very big factor. They will expect even this time that he keeps up the same form," he noted.
Virat Kohli reached Bengaluru
Kohli has already joined the RCB squad ahead of IPL 2026. He was a key player in their title-winning run last season, scoring 657 runs with a strike rate of 144.71 and an average of 54.75, including eight half-centuries. He will now aim to continue that form as RCB look to defend their title.