As IPL 2026 got underway, much of the spotlight was on how Virat Kohli would evolve his T20 approach.
Having stepped away from Test cricket and last seen in the format during the IPL 2025 final, the question was whether Kohli would adapt to the increasingly aggressive demands of modern T20 batting.
Early signs suggest he has.
Across his first few outings, Kohli has combined intent with control, striking at over 150 in the opening three matches. His acceleration has stood out—crossing 180 against Sunrisers Hyderabad and touching a strike-rate of 200 versus Rajasthan Royals. Even in a comparatively subdued outing against Mumbai Indians, where Phil Salt set the tempo, Kohli’s approach reflected a willingness to keep pace with the format’s evolving demands.
He returned to form quickly against Lucknow Super Giants, showcasing the hallmark of his batting: reading conditions better than most. On a sticky surface—far removed from the typically high-scoring Chinnaswamy pitch—Kohli adjusted early, attacking in the powerplay to give Royal Challengers Bengaluru momentum in the chase. Though he fell for 49, his innings laid the foundation for a five-wicket win.
After the match, Kohli underlined what continues to define his game despite the shift in tempo—clarity of thought.
“It depends on the conditions and situations. Not every game will be 230-240. As the tournament progresses, pressure builds and you have to play smart cricket. Teams that adapt will succeed,” he said.
It is this balance—between aggression and awareness—that has marked his start to the season. Kohli himself admitted he is still fine-tuning his game.
“I think I have done okay in adapting. The last two games weren’t my best, but I’m always trying to raise the bar,” he added.
Managing fitness, maintaining impact
Kohli’s performances have also come amid fitness concerns. He featured as an Impact Substitute after picking up an ankle issue against Mumbai and revealed he has been dealing with illness in recent days.
“I’m still not 100%. I was sore last game and unwell for four-five days. I started well today and was happy with my intensity. Would have liked to finish the game,” he said after the LSG match.
Even so, his influence has been evident—setting the tempo, anchoring chases, and adapting his tempo based on conditions.
RCB now turn their attention to a home clash against Delhi Capitals on April 18, where Kohli’s evolving T20 approach will again be under the spotlight.
For now, the message is clear: Kohli is embracing the modern game—but doing it on his own, calculated terms.
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