A new IPL season often brings fresh challenges and this time, the spotlight is firmly on Virat Kohli. Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan feels that the IPL 2026 could be slightly different and more demanding for the star batter.
This will be Virat Kohli’s first IPL season after stepping away from Test cricket. He is now active only in the ODI format, which changes how he prepares and adapts to the game. While his performances in ODIs have remained strong, Irfan Pathan believes that switching to T20 cricket after limited recent exposure can be challenging.
He explained that playing just one format is not easy for any cricketer. Even though Virat Kohli has shown that he can perform well after breaks in one-day cricket, T20 is a completely different format. It demands instant impact, aggressive intent and quick adaptability, especially for top-order batters.
According to Irfan Pathan, the challenge becomes even bigger in T20s because players are expected to attack from the very beginning. Without consistent match practice in the format, adjusting to that pace and mindset can take time. However, he also acknowledged that Kohli has faced tough situations throughout his career and has the ability to handle pressure.
Irfan Pathan also spoke about Virat Kohli’s transformation in the previous season of the Indian Premier League. He noted that Kohli changed his approach significantly, playing a more aggressive role instead of anchoring the innings. This shift in intent and strike rate played a key role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru winning their first title in 2025.
Virat Kohli’s bond with RCB remains special. He has been part of the franchise since the beginning and has delivered some of his best performances while leading the team in the past. His contribution last season was crucial, as he scored 657 runs with an impressive strike rate of 144.71 and an average of 54.75, including eight half-centuries.
Now, as he joins the squad for the IPL 2026, expectations are once again very high. RCB will be hoping that Kohli continues his aggressive form and leads from the front as they aim to defend their title for the first time.
All eyes will be on how Virat Kohli adapts to this new phase and whether he can once again rise to the challenge.
