After steering Royal Challengers Bengaluru to retain the IPL title, Virat Kohli reflected on how his batting approach has evolved, what modern T20 cricket demands from top-order batters, and the key lessons he wants India’s emerging players to take from his own journey. Speaking in a video released by the IPL, the former India captain stressed that youngsters must learn to read match situations early and adjust their intent, shot selection and tempo accordingly.
Kohli on the mindset behind his batting evolution
Kohli, who played a major role in RCB’s title-winning run and backed it up with another productive season, said his primary focus has always been improvement—identifying areas in his game where he can influence the scoreboard and help the team score more effectively.
- He believes continuous competition is a pathway to keep improving and find practical ways to make a difference for the side.
- His core objective remains staying committed to the process and contributing in a manner that helps the team build wins.
Understanding situations, not just going for big hits
The 37-year-old also urged younger players to prioritise understanding the game over relying purely on power-hitting. In his view, batters need to be able to alter their style based on pitch conditions and the match context, ensuring they can still score and pressure the opposition even when the ball doesn’t come onto the bat.
He explained that real preparation should allow a batter to play in multiple ways, rather than having a single plan. If the surface becomes difficult, Kohli said batters should still be able to find boundary options without being limited to only six-hitting.
- Players should be ready to bat in “3-4 different ways” depending on what the game requires.
- If the pitch is tough, they must be capable of scoring in a variety of ways—not only by hitting maximums.
- Even in cases where big shots aren’t feasible, they should still be able to rotate strike, pick up runs and remain in the contest.
Work off the field and building versatility for T20
Kohli added that the answers a player needs on the field are often created through preparation away from the spotlight. He said he tries to pass the same message to youngsters who approach him for advice, emphasising that impact comes from the “behind-the-scenes” work completed when a player is not competing.
- He believes the process of preparing off the field is essential for success during matches.
- When younger cricketers speak to him, he aims to communicate the same guidance clearly.
- His message is also about maintaining a high standard for Indian cricket.
Kohli then underlined that versatility is crucial in modern cricket, with players needing to respond to the demands of each situation. He said he tries to prepare a well-rounded game and apply it as effectively as possible every time he walks out to bat. For him, the key instruction to youngsters is straightforward: play according to the situation of the match and the requirements of the moment.
- He prepares to implement a balanced, all-conditions approach in every game scenario.
- His advice to youngsters is to stay aligned with the situation so they can always find solutions.
Adapting to how T20 has changed
Kohli acknowledged that T20 cricket has evolved rapidly over the years and insisted that players must keep adapting. He pointed out that the explosive element of the game is something modern batters need to handle carefully and consistently.
Maximising strengths: fours over an endless six-hitting plan
While Kohli said he is not the type to pile up 40–50 sixes in a season, he explained that he has worked to maximise what he can do best—especially through boundaries other than maximums. He claimed he can hit 70–80 fours and that this focus has been central to his recent development.
- He said he is not aiming to hit huge six totals in a single season.
- Instead, he highlighted his work to increase his fours—claiming he can hit 70–80 fours.
- His goal is to keep selecting the shots he can execute more often and to keep taking the fight to bowlers.
Kohli also linked his ability to stay longer at the crease to the team’s success. He said that during the last two seasons, when he has been able to play deeper into innings, the side’s success rate has been 100%, which gives him clarity that backing himself for longer improves their chances of winning. He described that realisation as a “great feeling.”
RCB’s title defence: confidence after topping the points table
Looking back at RCB’s defence of the title, Kohli said the team entered the final against Gujarat Titans with strong confidence. He pointed to their league-stage performance—finishing first in the points table and earning a direct route to the final—as the foundation for their belief going into the match day.
He said the mood within the squad felt different from the previous year: RCB arrived without the same level of pressure, with relaxed confidence in their skills. Kohli added that they believed that if they played to their full potential, they would be the best team in the competition.
- RCB felt their mindset was not the same as last year when preparing for the final.
- Kohli described the group as relaxed and confident about its skill set.
- He said the league stage proved their strength, as they finished top of the table and reached the final ahead of others.
- He described the season as marked by professionalism and maturity from the entire squad.
- According to Kohli, there were no doubts coming into the final.
He concluded by reaffirming that the combination of adaptability, match awareness and consistent preparation—both on and off the field—is what drives performance in the modern IPL.
