Virat Kohli To Unleash His Dangerous Version In IPL 2026; Videos Go Viral

Kohli set to unleash a new version in IPL 2026 [Source: AFP]

RCB won the IPL title last season, and in IPL 2026, the team will aim to become just the third side to clinch back-to-back championships. Only the Mumbai Indians and CSK have achieved this feat, and for the Royal Challengers to join the list, star batter Virat Kohli has to be in top form.

For 18 long years, Kohli has been associated with the franchise, and the right-handed batter has given his youth, his prime, and his experience to the team. However, for too long, the former RCB captain was criticised for his sedate T20 batting approach.

The 37-year-old has racked up 8661 IPL runs, with a strike rate of 132.86. He is the leading run-getter of the IPL, but his strike rate has always come under scrutiny, that could all change in the upcoming season.

Kohli's new aggressive approach set to surprise RCB fans

In the last two IPL seasons, Kohli’s IPL strike rate has been 144 and 154, respectively. He has certainly upped the ante in the previous two campaigns, and expect total domination in IPL 2026, and here’s the reason.

Kohli’s multiple practice videos have gone viral, and in the clippings, the RCB great could be seen trying an aggressive approach, as he takes down the bowling with ease.

ViratGang.in

@ViratGangIN

Virat Kohli is leaving no stone unturned while practicing for the #IPL2026 opener. ♨️

Mar 27, 2026, 4:07 PM

RCBXTRA

@RCBXTRAOFFICIA

The world aren't ready for this version of king kohli

Mar 26, 2026, 9:32 PM

He could be seen stepping down the track to loft the spinners for a six. A few years back, this shot would have been impossible to take out of Kohli’s bag, but this is the new version. Even in the two practice games, he played with a strike-rate of over 200, giving a hint of what is to come.

Kohli specifically practiced against spinners, and he dominated the proceedings against them, which signifies that Kohli will unleash a brand-new version of himself in IPL 2026.

Kohli trying to prove Gambhir wrong

Despite the Indian legend scoring a truckload of runs, the head coach Gautam Gambhir has indirectly slammed Kohli multiple times, urging him to play for the team, and not for his own runs. After winning the T20 World Cup, Gambhir poked his former teammate by stating: 

"For too long in Indian cricket, we've spoken about milestones, and I hope, till I'm there, we're not going to talk about milestone."

Moreover, Kohli’s World Cup 2027 selection depends on how he performs in the IPL 2026, as the selectors are not so keen on including him and Rohit Sharma in the squad. Hence, the new-found aggressive approach could be an answer to Gambhir’s milestone comment.

Also Read: Virat Kohli Goes Ballistic Before IPL 2026, Strikes At 236 In RCB’s Practice Match

Kohli gave a hint of his new avatar vs South Africa, New Zealand

The former India and RCB captain was under pressure heading into the home ODI series against South Africa and New Zealand, a couple of months ago. He had a disastrous away ODI tour of Australia, and a. failure at home might have cost him his place.

However, this is when the Delhi cricketer unleashed his new avatar as he scored 302 runs in three matches against South Africa, but most importantly, he struck at 117.05.

(Kohli in ODIs vs SA, NZ)

In the following home series against New Zealand, Kohli continued his aggressive domination as he slammed 240 runs in three games, and the strike rate was once again over the 100-mark (105.26).

The two home ODI legs proved that the right-handed RCB great is trying to bat differently, and he will continue to don the same approach in IPL 2026.

Final verdict

Ever since his twin failures against Australia in Australia, Kohli has reinvented himself, and the ODIs against South Africa, and New Zealand were a prime example of it. In both series, he dominated the proceedings and never allowed any bowler to settle in. Expect the same trend in IPL 2026 as Kohli is likely to unleash his most dangerous version.

Also Read: BCCI vs PCB Clash Erupts As PSL Commentator Poached From Pakistan By IPL