Legendary Australian pacer Glenn McGrath heaped praise on Virat Kohli’s white-ball form, acknowledging that the Indian star is entering the latter phase of his career during the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026. Kohli’s recent performances have once again underlined his ability to anchor and finish chases under pressure. This trait continues to define his T20 batting, even as younger players dominate the format with aggressive strokeplay.
Kohli began the IPL 2026 campaign in style for RCB, hitting an unbeaten 69, helping the defending champions chase down the target of 200 plus with six wickets in hand.
Speaking on “The Fast Bowling Cartel” podcast, McGrath said, “Virat Kohli, you think he is starting to get a little bit long in the tooth, but his white-ball form of late has been absolutely incredible. 69 again not out, got Royal Challengers home, chasing 201.”
McGrath also reflected on the changing nature of the IPL, particularly the dramatic rise in scoring rates. “It has been a funny start to the IPL. The one thing I have noticed is that every team that has won has won the toss and fielded first,” he observed, pointing to a clear trend emerging early in the season.
Drawing a comparison with the early years of the league, he added, “I played the first two seasons of the IPL. 165-170 was like a par score. You felt you could defend it. Now 220, you are thinking, ‘Have I got enough runs on the board?’ Scoring rates in the IPL have definitely changed. The team batting second just backed themselves.”
Changing patterns
His remarks highlight the evolving dynamics of T20 cricket, where chasing has increasingly become the preferred strategy due to improved batting depth and fearless intent.
In addition to Kohli, McGrath also praised emerging Indian pacer Prasidh Krishna, backing his development and potential. “I am a fan of Prasidh Krishna. We saw a little bit of the last Test in Australia, where India were here. I have done a little bit of work with him in India at the MRF Pace Foundation. 3/29, but they brought him on like the fifth bowler of something, I think they just let it get away a bit,” he said.
Elaborating on Krishna’s growth, McGrath added, “When he was at the MRF Pace Foundation, where he is now, he has come along in leaps and bounds. I just think he is stronger, bowls at a good pace. He bowls a lot shorter, more hit-the-deck type of length, a little bit short of a length in the IPL I was watching last year. He is a handful. I think he is an exceptional bowler.”
Prasidh was at his best in the Gujarat Titans’ opening match against the Punjab Kings, where he scalped three wickets. However, his effort wasn’t enough to help the team win, but the pacer continued from where he left off last season.
