Former India opener Aakash Chopra believes Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have reshaped their IPL batting mindset in recent years, with their strike rates climbing sharply over the past two seasons. Chopra pointed out that watching them bat at a sustained pace feels like they are “driving a Ferrari,” highlighting how both have adapted to the escalating demands of modern T20 cricket. While Kohli and Rohit have long been viewed as central figures in the shortest format, their approach has become noticeably more forceful since 2024. In the ongoing IPL 2026, both batters are continuing to deliver strong performances for their respective franchises.
Chopra explained the change by comparing their earlier numbers with their more recent output. “Look at the way both have switched gears. From 2020 to 2023, Kohli and Rohit’s strike rates were 126 and 127 in the IPL — a bit slow and sedate — but look at how both have transformed since 2024; they are striking at 152. It almost feels like they are driving a Ferrari now,” Chopra said.
Former India captain Anil Kumble then shifted the focus to bowling, offering a technical explanation of why emerging spinner Digvesh Rathi has struggled to be decoded by batters. Kumble suggested the key lies in the fine, often overlooked differences in Rathi’s wrist and finger positions, which can make it hard for hitters to anticipate the ball’s movement. He also noted that the similarities between certain deliveries can blur the read for batters during the critical split second before contact.
Kumble elaborated on the mechanics of Rathi’s variations. “There isn’t much difference between a leg-spin delivery that goes away from the batter and the googly in the way he bowls, so it’s not easy to read. His grip on the ball remains almost the same, with his thumb on the side, the index finger on top of the seam, and the middle finger folded. He just positions his index finger a little differently on his inward-turning ball, which is the googly, but that too isn’t easy to pick. His speeds are also very good, so if you don’t pick the length correctly, there’s a high chance of getting out,” Kumble said.
The veteran leg-spinner also shared guidance for young bowlers looking to build their spin game, stressing that early and consistent practice is essential. He highlighted the value of developing finger strength from the beginning, arguing that the fundamentals of grip and control need to be established long before a bowler tries to perfect their variations on a cricket field.
“You can definitely start practising spinning the ball with a rubber ball or a tennis ball, because you’ll need to squeeze the ball a bit to bowl the carrom ball. If you start from there, first focus on getting the turn and later work on control by simply bowling as much as you can. After that, when you move to a cricket ball, you might be able to execute this skill properly, because the key is learning how to hold the ball tightly, making your fingers strong enough to spin it, and then trying to perfect it,” he added.
