As soon as the IPL 2026 season began, all eyes were on Virat Kohli and his strategy for the tournament. Kohli’s last T20 appearance was during the IPL 2025 final and he has since retired from Test cricket. However, this season, Kohli has demonstrated a style that matches well with modern T20 cricket.

RCB vs LSG: highlighted | Achievement:

In the opening three matches, Kohli maintained a strike-rate of over 150, notably scoring over 180 against SRH. Against RR, he achieved a strike-rate of 200. Although there was a slight dip in performance against MI, where he struggled to match Phil Salt’s pace, he quickly regained his form against LSG.

The chasing specialist accurately read the conditions on a sticky wicket, different from the usual Chinnaswamy track. He targeted the bowlers aggressively from the beginning for RCB’s innings. Despite being out for 49 runs, his efforts made an important contribution RCB won by five wickets.

After the match, Kohli stressed the importance of playing smart and admitted that not every game will involve high scores. “It also depends on the conditions and circumstances. Not every game is going to be 230-240. You have to keep an eye on the players. In the second half, the game is going to be tight. When the freedom goes away and the pressure comes, you have to play smart cricket. The teams that play well and adapt will be successful,” Kohli said.

The RCB star said that he is trying his best to adopt the modern methods of T20 cricket.

I think I’ve done okay so far in optimization. I haven’t been able to give my best performance in the last two matches but I am always trying to raise my level,” Kohli said.

Kohli gave injury update

Kohli entered the game as an impressive option for RCB After suffering an ankle problem during the MI match. He admitted that he is not completely fit right now and has been unwell for several days.

Reflecting on the match, Kohli expressed his disappointment at not finishing the game.

“Yeah, much better than the last game. I’m still not 100%. I had a problem in the last game. I was under the weather for the last four-five days. I started well today. I was happy with my intensity. Would love to continue and finish the game.”

RCB’s next match is against DC at home on April 18.

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