Chandigarh, APRIL 13 — Indian cricket icons Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have undergone a dramatic transformation in their batting styles during the 2026 IPL season, shifting from traditional anchors to aggressive powerplay hitters. Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra stated that the veteran duo is now batting with an intensity that matches the modern demands of the T20 format.
Speaking on a sports commentary segment, Chopra noted that both players had faced scrutiny prior to 2024 for strike rates that hovered around the 126 mark. However, recent data shows a surge to over 150, with current season figures reaching as high as 179 for Kohli and 170 for Sharma.
“Look at the way both have switched gears,” Chopra affirmed. “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.”
For Kohli, now 37, the shift follows a historic 2025 campaign where he led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their first IPL title against Punjab Kings. Analysts maintained that the milestone has granted him a sense of freedom, allowing him to attack from the first delivery. Rohit Sharma, 38, has similarly adapted his game while playing under the captaincy of Hardik Pandya at Mumbai Indians.
Chopra declared that the evolution of these legends reinforces the necessity of adaptation in a league increasingly influenced by flat pitches and the “Impact Player” rule. He maintained that their ability to reinvent themselves in their late 30s serves as a masterclass for the next generation of cricketers.
