IPL 2026 could present a new challenge for Virat Kohli after his retirement from Test and T20I cricket. Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has shared his views on how this change might affect Kohli and his team, Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Kohli will now enter the IPL mainly as an ODI-format player, which makes this season different from previous years.
Irfan Pathan’s View on Kohli’s New Situation
Irfan Pathan explained that IPL 2026 will be the first season where Kohli plays after stepping away from both Test cricket and T20 internationals.
According to Pathan, switching back into T20 cricket after focusing on other formats can be difficult. The format requires quick decision-making, aggressive intent and a strong understanding of the pace of the game.
However, Pathan also pointed out that Kohli has handled many difficult situations during his career and has always found ways to adapt.
He believes Kohli has the experience and skill to deal with the new situation and perform well again.
Virat Kohli’s IPL 2025 Performance
Kohli played a major role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s successful IPL 2025 season. His consistent batting helped the team win its first IPL title.
Virat Kohli IPL 2025 Statistics
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Runs | 657 |
| Innings | 15 |
| Average | 54.75 |
| Strike Rate | 144.71 |
| Half-centuries | 8 |
His ability to score runs consistently and accelerate when needed was a key factor behind RCB’s success during the season.
How Retirement Could Change Kohli’s Role
With Test and T20I retirement, Kohli will now approach IPL 2026 with a different workload and focus.
The change may influence how Royal Challengers Bengaluru plan their batting order and manage his role during the tournament.
Kohli will likely continue to open the innings and anchor the batting lineup, but the team may adjust strategies around him depending on match situations.
Also See : Mohammad Kaif Says MS Dhoni Should Not Play as Impact Player in IPL 2026
Strong Connection Between Kohli and RCB
Irfan Pathan also spoke about the strong bond between Kohli and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Kohli has been part of the franchise since the beginning of his IPL career and remains one of the most recognized players in the league.
During his captaincy period, RCB experienced several memorable seasons and performances. Even after stepping down as captain, Kohli continues to be the central figure in the team.
Pathan also noted that Kohli showed a more aggressive approach last season, increasing his strike rate and adapting to the demands of modern T20 cricket.
Despite the challenges, Kohli’s experience and consistency remain major strengths for RCB.
If he maintains the form he showed in IPL 2025, he could again be one of the leading performers in the tournament.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru will rely on his batting stability, leadership presence and ability to handle pressure situations.
Fans will closely watch how Kohli adjusts to this new phase of his career and whether he can deliver another strong season in IPL 2026.
