Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes IPL 2026 could present a fresh and unique challenge for Virat Kohli, despite the veteran’s consistent brilliance across formats. With Kohli now retired from Test cricket and focusing solely on ODIs, this will be his first IPL season without the demands of multi-format cricket.
Pathan pointed out that while Kohli has seamlessly returned from breaks in the ODI format, T20 cricket brings a different kind of intensity—especially for a player expected to dictate terms from the outset.
“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,” Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube channel.
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He further stressed the demands of T20 batting, where rhythm and intent are crucial from ball one.
“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.
Kohli’s evolution as a T20 batter was evident during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s title-winning campaign in 2025. Moving away from his traditional anchor role, he embraced a more aggressive approach, maintaining a high strike rate throughout the innings—an adjustment that proved pivotal to RCB’s success.
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“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. 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,” Irfan Pathan noted.
Having scored 657 runs last season, Kohli now returns for IPL 2026 with expectations soaring. As RCB aim to defend their crown, all eyes will be on how the veteran adapts once again.
