As the IPL 2026 season began, all eyes were on Virat Kohli and his strategy for the tournament. Kohli made his last T20 appearance during the IPL 2025 final and has since retired from Test cricket. However, this season, Kohli has shown a style that suits modern T20 cricket well.
RCB vs LSG: HIGHLIGHTS | SCORECARD
In the first three matches, Kohli maintained a strike rate of over 150, notably scoring over 180 against SRH. He achieved a strike-rate of 200 against RR. Although there was a slight dip in performance against MI where he struggled to match Phil Salt’s pace, he quickly regained form against LSG.
The chase expert accurately read the conditions on a sticky wicket, different from Chinnaswamy’s usual track. He aggressively targeted the bowlers early and set the tone for RCB’s innings. Despite being dismissed for 49, his effort contributed significantly Five wicket win for RCB.
After the match, Kohli emphasized the importance of playing smart and acknowledged that not every game will involve high scores. He stated, “It also depends on the conditions and situations. Not every game will be 230-240. You have to watch the players. In the second half, the games will be tighter. When the loose ends and the pressure is on, you have to play smart cricket. The teams that play well and adapt will succeed,” Kohli said.
The RCB star said he is doing his best to adapt to the modern ways of T20 cricket.
I think the adaptation has been successful for me so far. I have not been at my best in the last two matches but I have always tried to raise the bar,” said Kohli.
KOHLI GIVES INJURY UPDATE
Kohli came into the game as an impact substitute for RCB after he had an ankle problem during the MI match. He admitted that he is not yet in full condition and has been unwell for several days.
Kohli reflected on the match and expressed his disappointment at not finishing the game.
“Yeah, much better than the last game. I’m still not 100%. The last game I was sore. I’ve been under the weather for the last four or five days. I started well today. I was happy with my intensity. I’d like to go on and finish the game.”
RCB’s next match is against DC at home on April 18.
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Published on:
15 Apr 2026 23:58 IST
