Ravichandran Ashwin has revealed significant changes in Virat Kohli's T20 batting since his Test retirement. In the RCB vs CSK match, Kohli scored 28 runs off 18 balls, including a no-look six. Ashwin and Irfan Pathan praised his new technique.
Ravichandran Ashwin stated that during 2024 Test cricket, Kohli's batting was stable, with balanced head and feet and limited bat movement.
In 2026, Kohli now starts with the bat low and lifts it up. Ashwin described this as 'potential energy', allowing the batsman to reach better positions for big shots. Post-Test retirement, Kohli no longer needs to restrain his hands, enabling freer batting.
In the RCB vs CSK match, Kohli provided a quick start. According to Ashwin, this change is behind his aggression.
Irfan Pathan agreed that the increased backlift gives Kohli momentum and power, improving his strike rate. Pathan explained that staying completely still during the bowler's run-up deprives a batsman of necessary momentum for big shots.
