Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan made a strong statement about RCB opener Virat Kohli following the IPL 2026 opening clash against SRH. Royal Challengers Bengaluru registered a convincing six-wicket victory on March 28 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, successfully chasing down a target of 202.
Pathan praised Kohli’s game awareness and maturity during the chase, highlighting how the veteran batter adapted his approach according to the situation. While Kohli was at the crease, he allowed Devdutt Padikkal to take the lead role in the partnership, recognising that the left-hander was in excellent rhythm. Despite not facing the bulk of the deliveries, Kohli ensured that the scoreboard kept moving and maintained a healthy strike rate.
“In the post-match presentation, he praised Padikkal and said that when Padikkal flicked one six, I felt I should give him the strike more and I wanted to do that. Despite that, his strike rate was high when he finished his innings. No one has this understanding better than Kohli. The shot of the match was that straight chip shot down the ground for a six. The way he is batting and showing his fitness, it shows how much hunger he has. He does not play as an impact player, he plays in the XI and even puts impact,” Pathan said on his YouTube channel.
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Kohli remained unbeaten in the chase, guiding his team to a strong start in their title defence. Pathan once again praised Kohli for his brilliance in run chases, highlighting his composure and ability to control the game under pressure. Pathan also lauded Padikkal, who set the tone early with a fiery knock, taking the attack to the opposition during the powerplay after the early dismissal of Phil Salt.
“When it comes to chasing, you will not find a bigger chase master than Virat Kohli in the world. We have been hearing this from over a decade and we get to hear it even today. It is the 19th season but even today, when it comes to chasing, there is only guy who stands tall again and again. The way he paced the innings and chased it was brilliant,” Pathan said.
“The way Padikkal batted, it showed that if you play domestic cricket and have good form, it will be very easy for you to perform at the big stage. It was the fastest fifty of his career. He came in with a different flow. It is not easy. It was important for him to start well with Venkatesh Iyer sitting out. This is inevitably there in your mind,” he added.
