Irfan Pathan Flags T20 Rhythm Concerns for Virat Kohli Ahead of IPL 2025
Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has expressed concerns regarding Virat Kohli’s T20 rhythm heading into the upcoming Indian Premier League season. Pathan notes that Kohli’s transition to playing fewer formats—specifically his recent retirement from T20 Internationals—will present a unique mechanical and mental challenge for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) top-order batter.
The Impact of Format Limitations on T20 Rhythm
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan pointed out that returning to the high-strike-rate demands of franchise T20 cricket after an extended break from international T20s requires significant adjustment. Kohli formally announced his retirement from T20 Internationals following India’s victory in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, meaning his white-ball exposure is now limited strictly to One-Day Internationals (ODIs).
“This time, things will be a little different for Kohli,” Pathan explained. “For the first time, he will play the IPL having completely retired from international T20 cricket. It is not easy for anyone to find that rhythm immediately.”
While acknowledging the difficulty of adapting to the T20 format without continuous match practice, Pathan remains confident in Kohli’s underlying adaptability. “In T20s, when you play the aggressor and come in not having played a lot, it will be challenging. But he has faced many challenges before. I am very excited to see how he approaches this season,” Pathan added.
Evolution of Kohli’s Batting Approach
Pathan also analyzed Kohli’s tactical shift during the 2024 IPL season, which was instrumental in RCB’s dramatic late-season six-game winning streak to reach the playoffs. Rather than playing his traditional anchor role, Kohli adopted a highly aggressive approach, notably increasing his strike rate against spin bowling in the middle overs.
“Virat Kohli and RCB share an inseparable identity,” Pathan noted. “When they went on their winning run last season, his strike rate went up significantly. He did not just play the anchor; he took on the role of an aggressor. It was a massive factor in their turnaround. RCB will expect him to maintain that exact form.”
Virat Kohli’s IPL 2024 Statistics
Kohli’s shift in intent translated into elite production, earning him the Orange Cap. Here is a breakdown of his 2024 performance tracked by ESPN Cricinfo:
| Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | High Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 741 | 61.75 | 154.69 | 113* |
Looking Ahead to the Next Chapter
As the BCCI prepares for the 2025 IPL season, RCB’s strategy will heavily rely on Kohli’s top-order output. The franchise continues to build its core around the 36-year-old veteran. How quickly Kohli can calibrate his timing and aggression against elite T20 bowling attacks—without the benefit of international T20 match practice—will dictate RCB’s momentum early in the tournament.