Bengaluru, April 6: Former Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli, who has retired from Test and international T20 formats, is making waves in IPL 2026 while playing for RCB. In the season opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad, he scored a blistering half-century and followed it up with a quick 28 runs off 18 balls against CSK on Sunday. Former cricketers Ravichandran Ashwin and Irfan Pathan discussed the changes in Kohli’s batting style.
Ashwin, a GeoStar expert, commented on Kohli’s technical evolution during the ‘Champions Commentary’. He noted, “Virat was playing Test cricket in 2024 and was very calm, with minimal bat movement. However, now in 2026, his bat starts low and then rises, which we refer to as potential energy or continuous bat movement, allowing him to get into a good position. In 2024, his head was so steady that even his footwork was balanced, but now in 2026, since he no longer plays Test cricket, he doesn’t need to exert as much control with his hands.”
Irfan Pathan added that Kohli’s change in technique has also improved his strike rate. He explained, “Due to that backlift, he gains momentum and power, which is why his strike rate has increased. When you stand still before the bowler delivers, you miss out on the momentum needed for big shots. But when you bring the bat down and then up, you already have that momentum.”
Before the match between RCB and CSK, the stands at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium were named after two former cricket legends and captains of the Indian team. Anil Kumble expressed his joy, stating, “I never imagined there would be a permanent end named after me at Chinnaswamy Stadium. It feels special. I was nine years old when I first came to watch a Ranji Trophy match here between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. I have been given the Pavilion End, perhaps because it is near the pavilion, and you don’t need a run-up to bowl from there. During my playing days, I bowled from both ends.”
My name is Narendra Jijhontiya. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
Leave a Comment