'Things will be little different for Virat': Kohli warned before RCB's IPL 2026 season
Irfan Pathan feels Virat Kohli’s shift to fewer formats after retiring from Tests could affect his T20 rhythm, especially after breaks. While Kohli remains in top form, adapting to an aggressive T20 role may be challenging. Pathan also noted Kohli’s attacking approach was key to RCB’s 2025 title and will be crucial again.
NEW DELHI: Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes Kohli’s transition to playing fewer formats might impact his T20 rhythm, especially after breaks. “This time, things will be a little different for Kohli. For the first time, he will play the IPL having completely retired from Test cricket.
He is playing only one format. It is not easy for anyone," Pathan said in a video on his YouTube channel. "But he has scored, and his performance has been brilliant.
Even when he comes after a break, it has not been difficult for him in one-day cricket. " Virat Kohli has joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru ahead of IPL 2026, but this season could be slightly different for him. With Kohli now retired from Test cricket and only playing limited formats, expectations are high, but experts feel the shift could bring new challenges in T20 cricket.
“In T20S, when you play the aggressor and come in not having played a lot, it will be challenging. But he has faced many challenges before as well. I am very excited to see how he will go forward this season," he added.