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Virat Kohli Exposed Badly, RCB’s Success Attributed To Him Leaving Selfish Play

Rajgeeta Yadav

Virat Kohli [Source: AFP]Virat Kohli [Source: AFP]

Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has sparked discussion by pointing out a major shift in Virat Kohli’s approach in IPL 2026. Notably, Kohli has been one of the biggest talking points this season. 

The Indian star has shown strong consistency, and at the same time, he has improved his scoring speed. As a result, his batting now appears more aggressive and fluent.

In eight innings, Kohli has scored 351 runs with a strike rate of 162.50. This marks his fastest start in any IPL season. Earlier, he was known for pacing his innings steadily, and now he is combining consistency with aggressive intent.

Comparison of Virat Kohli’s performance to earlier IPL seasons

Looking at his earlier IPL seasons, Virat Kohli was not known for such high strike rates. Across his first 16 IPL seasons, he crossed a strike rate of 140 in only three editions. In addition, his performances in 2021 and 2022 were below expectations, with strike rates of 119.47 and 115.99. Consequently, criticism started to grow around his approach.

If one studies his record further, his strike rate has rarely crossed 160. Notably, only two seasons saw him go above 150, which were 2016 and 2024.

However, signs of change started appearing in IPL 2023. During that season, he began playing with more freedom at the top of the order. Then, in 2024, he improved even more and won his second Orange Cap with a strike rate of 154.7. 

Although his strike rate dropped slightly to 144.71 in 2025, the former RCB captain has now reached his peak again in 2026 with 162.50.

Also Read: Virat Kohli Doesn't Travel With RCB Team For Special Recognition In Delhi

Sanjay Manjrekar’s take on Virat Kohli

Notably, Sanjay Manjrekar shared his views on Kohli’s transformation. According to him, the change in strike rate is linked to external pressure and criticism.

"This is, again, going to rile up Virat Kohli fans. We have seen Kohli bat differently, bat superbly this season - at a strike rate of 140-150. This is the same Kohli; there is nothing that has changed," Manjrekar told Sportstar.

"It is only that he has decided that he is going to bat quicker. And why has he decided that? Because he could see the pressure building and people talking about him batting a little too slowly."

Virat Kohli's approach explained by Manjrekar

Furthermore, Manjrekar explained how Kohli’s earlier approach focused on staying longer at the crease.

"This 150 strike rate was 125-130 three to four years back. It was only because Virat Kohli would hit a boundary and then pick up a one or a two. After all, he wanted to extend his innings and play longer because he felt he had to be the man to bat for most of the innings and didn't trust the batters down the order," Manjrekar said.

"RCB changed when Virat Kohli, at the top, started batting quicker and didn't make himself indispensable. That is when the others also blossomed," Manjrekar added.

Watch the video below:

RCB’s performance in IPL 2026

RCB have been outstanding this season. They entered IPL 2026 as defending champions for the first time. At present, they are placed second on the points table. Moreover, they have won six out of their first eight matches.

Their only losses came against Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings. In addition, the team has maintained a strong net run rate of 1.919.

Looking ahead, RCB will face Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday.

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