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Ashwin Reveals How Kohli's Technique Shift Fuels 2026 Aggression

Ravichandran Ashwin has analyzed Virat Kohli's technical adjustment over the past two years, noting a shift from a very still, Test-match oriented method in 2024 to a more dynamic and fluid style in 2026. Ashwin explains that Kohli now allows greater bat movement and freedom in his hands, enabling more aggressive shot-making as he no longer plays Test cricket. This evolution was evident as Kohli entered IPL 2026 in strong form, following an impressive ODI run. His performances, including a quickfire 69*, have contributed to RCB's strong start in the tournament defense.

Key Points: Kohli's Technical Shift for Aggression: Ashwin Analysis

  • Technique evolved from still to fluid
  • Bat movement creates potential energy
  • Freedom allows more attacking shots
  • ODI-exclusive focus changes approach
2 min read

Ashwin highlights Kohli's technical shift behind renewed aggression

R Ashwin explains Virat Kohli's batting technique evolution from 2024 stillness to 2026 fluidity, boosting his aggressive shot-making in IPL 2026.

"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. - Ravichandran Ashwin"

New Delhi, April 6

Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin observed that Virat Kohli has adjusted his technique over the past two years, moving from a very still and controlled approach in 2024 to a more dynamic and fluid style in 2026.

Ashwin feels Kohli is allowing greater bat movement and freedom in his hands, enabling him to play more attacking shots and get into better positions.

"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. 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," Ashwin said on 'Champions vali Commentary'.

Kohli looks imperious as an ODI-exclusive superstar for Team India. Coming into the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 after an impressive ODI run earlier this year, he peeled off 69* in 38 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the campaign opener.

He followed his fifty with a 28-run innings in 18 balls laced with two fours and a six against the five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Sunday in Bengaluru.

RCB registered a commanding 43-run win over CSK in the IPL 2026 match on Sunday at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Tim David's 25-ball 70-run innings, along with contributions from other batters, and an all-round effort with the ball led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, helped defending champions RCB clinch their second consecutive win of the season.

Kohli also holds the record for the most runs in Indian Premier League history, amassing over 8,700 runs for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and remains the only player to have crossed the 8,000-run milestone.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's fascinating to see how a player's technique evolves when they focus on a specific format. Not having the pressure of Test cricket seems to have unlocked a new level of aggression for him in white-ball cricket. Great insight from Ashwin.
R
Rohit P
As an RCB fan, this is exactly what we needed to see! A free-flowing Kohli is a nightmare for bowlers. That 69* was pure class. Hope he carries this form through the entire IPL season. #PlayBold
M
Michael C
Respectfully, while the technical shift is interesting, I do miss watching him in Test cricket. That controlled, still head position was a masterclass in batting technique. The game feels a bit poorer without Kohli in whites.
S
Shreya B
True that! When you don't have to worry about leaving the ball or defending for sessions, your hands naturally become freer. He's playing like he has nothing to prove anymore, just pure enjoyment. Wishing him a mega season! 💥
K
Karthik V
Over 8,700 runs in IPL... that stat alone is insane. The man is a run-machine. This new approach might just help him cross the 10,000-run mark before he hangs up his boots. What a player!

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