Dale Steyn Hails Virat Kohli’s Powerplay Six-Hitting Transformation
Dale Steyn praises Virat Kohli’s aggressive batting evolution in IPL.
Former South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn has praised Virat Kohli for his evolution as a batter in the Indian Premier League (IPL), highlighting his improved six-hitting ability over the past two seasons. Kohli made a stunning return at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, scoring an unbeaten 69 to help Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) chase down a target of 202 in just 15.4 overs, kickstarting their title defense with a dominant win.
Steyn noted that Kohli’s mindset has shifted since retiring from Test cricket. “A lot of players, when they reach the level Virat Kohli is at, look to change their game by a couple of percentages. That is what Virat has been doing every IPL season. He looks for ways to improve himself, and the new improvement which he has made in his game is his six-hitting ability,” Steyn said on JioStar. He added that Kohli now backs himself to execute aerial shots repeatedly, reflecting his confidence and class as a world-class batter.
Statistical analysis from CricViz confirms the trend. Kohli’s attacking shot percentage in the IPL powerplay has steadily increased from 31.5% in 2020 to 66.3% in 2025, demonstrating his growing intent to dominate the bowlers from the outset. His aggressive approach has not only elevated his own performance but also provided a stabilizing presence for RCB’s top order.
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RCB opener Devdutt Padikkal credited Kohli’s influence for helping the team secure the win with 26 balls to spare. “When I came out to bat, Virat bhai’s only instruction was to keep the run rate up and put pressure on the bowlers. His presence took the pressure off me and let me play freely,” Padikkal said, highlighting Kohli’s role in mentoring younger players on the field.
Padikkal also acknowledged the contribution of RCB head coach Andy Flower and batting coach Dinesh Karthik in shaping his aggressive batting style. He noted that evolving in T20 cricket required both technical adjustments and mental belief, emphasizing the importance of confidence and adaptability in the fast-paced format.
The match marked a strong start to RCB’s IPL 2026 campaign, signaling that Kohli’s renewed form and leadership could play a pivotal role in the team’s title defense. His blend of attacking cricket, experience, and mentorship continues to make him a central figure in the evolving landscape of Indian T20 cricket.
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