New Delhi: Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan Kohli believes that playing in lesser formats can affect his T20 rhythm, especially after the break.“This time, things will be a little different for Kohli. For the first time, he will be playing. IPL Retired from Test cricket completely. He is playing only one format. It’s not easy for anyone,” Pathan said in a video on his YouTube channel.
“But he has scored, and his performance has been outstanding. Even when he comes in after the break, it hasn’t been difficult for him in one-day cricket.”Virat Kohli He has joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru ahead of IPL 2026, but this season could be a bit different for him. Expectations are high with Kohli now retired from Test cricket and playing only limited-overs formats, but experts believe that this change could lead to new challenges in T20 cricket.“In T20S, when you play aggressively and come in not playing much, it will be challenging. But he has faced many challenges before. I am very excited to see how he will progress this season,” he added.Pathan also highlighted how Kohli’s change in batting style played a major role in RCB’s success last season. Instead of anchoring the innings, Kohli played a more attacking role, helping the team win the title.“Virat Kohli and RCB are an identity that goes hand in hand. He started with RCB and is still playing for them. He has given brilliant performances. It was the golden period of his career when he captained the team; there were many brilliant performances,” he noted.“His strike rate also increased when he won last season. He didn’t play as an anchor but as an attacker. That was a huge factor. He will be expected to maintain that form this time as well.”
