Over the past two years, Virat Kohli’s batting technique has clearly changed, according to former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. The senior pro has shifted from a rigorous, controlled approach to a more free-flowing and aggressive method.
Ashwin claimed that Kohli, who was still playing Test cricket in 2024, had a calm head and little bat swing during the IPL.
However, Kohli has increased bat movement in the current season of the IPL, giving him more hand flexibility and enabling him to play shots from better places.
“Virat was still playing Test cricket in 2024. He was very still, the bat wouldn’t move much. But now, here in 2026, the bat is down initially and later he brings it up, which we call potential energy, or the constant movement of the bat, and he is getting into lovely positions,” Ashwin said on ‘Champions vali Commentary’.
Ashwin claims that Kohli’s current style is a reflection of his departure from Test cricket. He is now expressing himself with a greater variety of strokes and playing more aggressively without the need for strict control.
“In 2024, his head was so still that even the movement of his feet was balanced, because he was still playing Test cricket then. In 2026, since he doesn’t play Test cricket anymore, he doesn’t have to control his hands as much and is letting them go, going for more shots.”
The shift has been supported by Kohli’s form. The RCB star has maintained excellent form into the IPL and is now an ODI-focused player. In the season-opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, the 37-year-old hit an undefeated 69 off 38 balls. He then quickly scored 28 off 18 balls against Chennai Super Kings in RCB’s commanding 43-run victory in Bengaluru.
With over 8,700 runs for RCB, Kohli is still the best run scorer in IPL history. He is also the only player in the league to reach 8,000 runs.
