Virat Kohli’s Remarkable Performance in IPL 2026
Former India player Sanjay Manjrekar has praised Royal Challengers Bengaluru star batter Virat Kohli for his exceptional performance during the 19th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 37-year-old was in top form and played a crucial role in the team’s success. Kohli scored an unbeaten 75 runs off 42 balls in the final against the Gujarat Titans, showcasing his batting prowess once again.
Throughout the tournament, Kohli emerged as the fourth-highest run getter, amassing 675 runs in 16 matches at an impressive average of 56.25 and a strike rate of 165.84. His consistent performance and ability to adapt to the fast-paced nature of T20 cricket have been commendable.
Mastering the Art of T20 Batting
Manjrekar highlighted that Kohli has mastered the art of T20 batting, describing him as “magnificent with the bat in the tournament.” He noted that Kohli understood the importance of maintaining a strike rate between 150 and 160, which he achieved by taking calculated risks.
“Virat went for his shots in the powerplay overs. He managed to dominate the rivals with his power game and made full use of it. He was in the third and fourth gear while the others were trying to achieve a strike rate of 200 and 230,” Manjrekar said.
He also pointed out that while many players relied on mishits and dropped catches to score big, Kohli maintained a high level of precision. “There were no mishits because he was timing the ball to perfection. He ensured his balance and technique were right. The bottom hand jab was impactful,” he added.
A Focus on Fours Over Sixes
Despite facing criticism over his strike rate in the past, Kohli has adopted a more attacking approach in the last three seasons. Manjrekar emphasized that Kohli still prefers hitting fours over sixes, a style he has consistently followed both in the IPL and international cricket.
“In IPL 2026, he struck 73 fours and 25 sixes. While going for big shots, Kohli is big on fours rather than sixes, a template he follows in international cricket as well. I don’t think his style of scoring is going to fade away anytime soon. He has found ways of scoring runs at a high strike rate. This form of Virat Kohli is going to stay. RCB are fortunate to have him,” Manjrekar mentioned.
Consistent Performances in Recent Seasons
Kohli’s performances in the last two seasons of the IPL have been nothing short of remarkable. He has accumulated a total of 1,332 runs, including 13 fifties and a century. His ability to remain composed under pressure and deliver when it matters most has solidified his reputation as one of the most reliable batsmen in the league.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s performance in IPL 2026 has been a testament to his dedication and skill. With his ability to maintain a high strike rate while focusing on consistency, he continues to be a vital asset for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. As Manjrekar pointed out, Kohli’s style of play is likely to remain a key factor in the team’s success for years to come.
