Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru pacer Dale Steyn heaped praise on Virat Kohli following his match-winning knock against Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Chasing a stiff 206, Kohli once again showcased why he remains one of the finest in the format. The right-hander smashed 81 off 44 deliveries at an impressive strike rate of 184.09, reclaiming the Orange Cap with 328 runs from seven innings this season.

Dale Steyn highlighted Kohli’s unmatched ability to read the game situation and pace his innings to perfection. “He’s always looking to try and get better. He plays what’s in front of him and reads the situation better than most,” Steyn said. “He’s probably one of the best I’ve seen at calculating how a chase should unfold from ball one. He’s the best chaser to have ever played the game.”

At a venue known for high-scoring encounters, Kohli found strong support in Devdutt Padikkal, with the duo stitching together a crucial 115-run stand for the second wicket. Padikkal’s fluent 55 off 27 balls complemented Kohli’s controlled aggression, effectively taking the game away from Gujarat.

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What stands out in Kohli’s T20 evolution is his ability to adapt with time. Once known for anchoring innings at a steady strike rate, the 37-year-old has significantly raised his tempo in recent seasons. His strike rate has consistently climbed, reflecting a conscious shift towards a more aggressive approach in modern T20 cricket.

Former West Indies cricketer Ian Bishop also lauded Kohli’s transformation. “The evolution in his numbers, especially at this stage of his career, is extraordinary,” Bishop noted. “To adapt in such a high-tempo format and still dominate shows his class and hunger.”

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Kohli’s latest innings was yet another reminder that even after years at the top, he continues to redefine consistency and excellence in T20 cricket.