Former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn has praised Virat Kohli for his remarkable evolution as a T20 batter, particularly highlighting his improved six-hitting ability in the Indian Premier League. Over the past two seasons, Kohli has added a new dimension to his game, making him even more dangerous at the crease.
At the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Kohli once again showcased his class with an unbeaten 69, guiding Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a dominant chase of 202 in just 15.4 overs against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Coming into IPL 2026 after a lengthy break from T20 cricket, Kohli looked fresh, confident, and in complete control of his innings.
Dale Steyn pointed out that Kohli’s growth has been gradual but impactful, with a clear focus on improving specific aspects of his batting. “A lot of players, when they reach Virat’s level, look to improve by small margins. That’s exactly what he’s been doing every IPL season,” Steyn said.
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He further emphasised Kohli’s shift in mindset, especially regarding clearing the ropes.
“In the past, Virat had a set pattern of play. But now, his mentality has changed. He backs himself to go aerial and execute big shots consistently,” he added.
This transformation is also reflected in the numbers. Virat Kohli’s attacking intent during the powerplay has seen a steady rise over the years. From a modest 31.5 percent in 2020, his attacking shot percentage has consistently climbed, reaching an impressive 66.3 percent in 2025. Such statistics underline a clear tactical shift—Kohli is no longer just anchoring innings but actively dictating terms from the start.
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His ability to blend classical strokeplay with aggressive intent makes him one of the most complete T20 batters in the game today. With this evolved approach, Virat Kohli continues to set new benchmarks, proving that even at the peak of his career, he is still finding ways to reinvent himself and stay ahead of the curve.
