Virat Kohli Reveals Why He Changed His ODI Batting Approach

Kohli reveals why he changed his batting approach [Source: AFP]Virat Kohli is a champion player in ODIs, and the legendary Indian player owns the 50-over format with a risk-free yet effective batting approach. Kohli is not known for big shots in ODIs; rather, he loves to play grounded shots and believes in taking quick singles to keep the scoreboard ticking.However, since late 2025, there has been a drastic change in his ODI batting style. There is a sense of aggression in his batting, and no longer the bowler feels they can dominate against him in the early proceedings. His usual strike rate has gone up considerably, and it is almost as if one is witnessing Kohli 2.0 in ODIs.Kohli reveals why he changed his batting template in ODIsSpeaking to JioStar ahead of the ODI series against the West Indies, Virat Kohli gave a sneak peek into his mindset, and he revealed why there was a sudden urge to become aggressive in his ODI batting approach."The game is changing in a way that, especially if the conditions are fast paced and good, and other teams are looking to push you towards 340-350, we should be able to get 350-360 as well. I'm very willing to take risks now because I know that if I make runs there, we'll get 350-360 easily. And if I do that and play longer, then I can hit more at the end"."I need to express myself fully and find a way to be consistent doing that. That's exciting as well at this stage of my career".Numbers reveal how Kohli's game has changed in ODIsSeriesSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableStrike rateSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableVs South Africa (home)SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table117.05SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableVs New Zealand (home)SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table105.26SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableVs England (Away)SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table109.09SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table(Kohli strike rate in the last three series)In the last three ODI series, Kohli’s strike rate has gone up to over 100. Against the Proteas, he struck at 117.05, and the same was the case when Kohli tackled the New Zealand and England bowlers.Also Read: Gambhir's Special Man Commends Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Ahead of IND vs WI ODIsIn the last three ODI series, Kohli has looked to take down the bowling attack right from ball one, and has not allowed the opposition to settle in. This has created problems for the opposition bowlers and has helped Kohli score at a rapid rate.In 2024, his ODI strike rate was just 84, but it jumped to 96.16 in 2025, and the same number climbed to 106.67 in 2026.Kohli aims to continue his excellent ODI run against the West IndiesVirat Kohli has been in great form in the 50-over format in 2026. In just six matches this year, the 37-year-old has racked up 384 runs, with an average of 64.00.He scored a century against the New Zealand side in the home series, and backed it up with two quality half-centuries in the away ODIs against England recently.Moreover, the champion batter possesses a great track record against the West Indies in ODIs. In 43 ODI matches against. them, Kohli has scored 2261 runs, with an average of 66.50, including 9 hundreds and 11 fifties.The batter has several records to break in the upcoming series, and he’ll aim to score truckloads of runs, considering the ODI World Cup is scheduled for next year.Also Read: India, Pakistan's Opponents Revealed As Asian Games 2026 Quarterfinals Schedule Finalised