Sanjay Manjrekar has said Virat Kohli’s noticeable increase in strike rate in recent IPL seasons has been driven by sustained external criticism, with the batter consciously altering his approach rather than his ability. Speaking to Sportstar, Manjrekar pointed to a clear shift in intent from Kohli, particularly in how he constructs innings at the top of the order.
Kohli’s numbers underline that transformation, with 351 runs this season at a strike rate above 160, significantly higher than his career T20 average of 133. Across his first 16 IPL seasons, he crossed a strike rate of 140 only three times, while returns of 119.47 in 2021 and 115.99 in 2022 intensified scrutiny around his tempo. That pressure, according to Manjrekar, played a central role in reshaping his batting mindset.
He said, “This is, again, going to rile up Virat Kohli fans. We have seen Virat Kohli bat differently, bat superbly this season – at a strike rate of 140-150. This is the same Virat Kohli; there is nothing that has changed,” placing the emphasis on intent rather than skill. He added, “It is only that he has decided that he is going to bat quicker. And why has he decided that? Because he could see the pressure building and people talking about him batting a little too slowly,” linking the change directly to external expectations.
Evolution in approach and role
Kohli’s shift has been building over multiple seasons, beginning with a more aggressive template in 2023 before peaking in 2024, when he claimed the Orange Cap with a strike rate of 154.7. That momentum carried into a title-winning campaign, where he maintained a strong scoring rate of 144.71 while adapting his role within the side.
Manjrekar explained how Kohli’s earlier method was shaped by responsibility to anchor innings for extended periods, often prioritising time at the crease over acceleration. He said, “This 150 strike-rate was 125-130 three to four years back. It was only because Virat Kohli would hit a boundary and then pick up a one or a two. After all, he wanted to extend his innings and play longer because he felt he had to be the man to bat for most of the innings and didn’t trust the batters down the order,” outlining the contrast with his current approach.
The adjustment reflects greater confidence in the batting unit around him, allowing Kohli to play with more freedom without the need to carry the innings deep. That change has redefined his role from a traditional anchor to a more dynamic top-order aggressor.
Impact on RCB’s batting structure
Kohli’s evolution has coincided with strong results for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who have won six of their first eight matches this season while posting the highest net run rate in the league. The team’s balance has improved alongside his shift in tempo, with contributions spread more evenly across the lineup.
Manjrekar said, “RCB changed when Virat Kohli was at the top, started batting quicker and didn’t make himself indispensable. That is when the others also blossomed,” highlighting how the change has influenced the broader batting structure. The reduced dependency on Kohli to anchor innings has enabled other players to play with greater intent, strengthening the team’s overall output.
With Kohli continuing to combine consistency with an elevated strike rate, his adaptation has not only addressed long-standing criticism but also reshaped his role within the team, reinforcing a more aggressive and balanced approach as the IPL season progresses.
