Modern T20 cricket is evolving so quickly that even players with over a decade of experience in the format must constantly adapt to keep up. Relying on past success may help secure a place in a franchise, but it’s not enough to sustain relevance in a rapidly changing format. The Indian Premier League continues to raise the bar each season, with new talent emerging. This adds pressure on veteran players and legends to not only bring experience on the field but also evolve their skill sets through variations in both batting and bowling.
The format has increasingly become batter-dominated, with strike rate now holding more relevance alongside the number of runs scored. Flat pitches and the introduction of the Impact Player have added more depth to batting lineups, making it even more challenging for bowlers and demanding for batters to stay consistent.
Speaking on JioStar’s ‘Champions Waali Commentary,’ Jio expert and former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra highlighted a clear shift in the batting approach of Indian cricket legends, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, over the past 2 seasons. Both players, who have faced criticism until IPL 2023 for their modest strike rates, have responded with a notable transformation in their approach.
“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,” said Chopra.
Chopra’s observation reflects not just statistical improvement but a clear shift in their mindsets over the past seasons. Both Kohli and Rohit have evolved from anchoring the innings as top-order batters to adopting a more aggressive intent from the outset, maximising the powerplay overs and aligning with their team’s needs in IPL 2026.
Kohli, now 37, has started the 2026 season for Royal Challengers Bengaluru with a renewed intent, trusting both his own abilities and the strength of the batting unit around him. His strike rates this season have surged significantly, already exceeding 179 this season as compared to 144 last year. The approach reflects greater freedom, possibly influenced by the confidence of winning the long-awaited IPL title in 2025 against the Punjab Kings.
Rohit, now 38, has also shown a visible transformation. Improved fitness levels and a clearer role under captain Hardik Pandya have allowed him to play with more freedom at the top alongside South African batter Ryan Rickelton. With his focus for the national team now primarily on ODI cricket and the upcoming 2027 World Cup, his approach in the IPL reflects both intent and longevity. His strike rate, now around 170 this season, marks a sharp rise from 2022, when he endured one of his toughest campaigns, failing to register a single fifty and striking at just 120.
The evolution of both Kohli and Rohit reinforces a simple reality: even the greatest players of the game need to continue to adapt to remain at the top level in an ever-evolving modern game.
