Virat Kohli's Comeback: Insights from Mohammad Kaif and Irfan Pathan Ahead of IPL 2026

As IPL 2026 approaches, former cricketers Mohammad Kaif and Irfan Pathan share their insights on Virat Kohli's performance. Kaif believes Kohli's break from international cricket will rejuvenate him, while Pathan raises concerns about the challenges of playing in a single format. With Kohli's recent retirements and his determination to excel, fans are eager to see how he will perform for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru this season. The tournament opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad is set to be a thrilling start to the season.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 20, 2026, 19:53 IST

Kaif's Optimism for Kohli's Performance

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has shared a contrasting viewpoint regarding Virat Kohli compared to his ex-teammate Irfan Pathan. Kaif is confident that Kohli's hiatus from international cricket will rejuvenate him, enabling him to excel for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the upcoming IPL 2026. He believes that Kohli's transition back to competitive cricket will be seamless, given his extensive experience with the Indian team. In contrast, Pathan expressed concerns about the challenges Kohli might face, as this will be his first IPL season after retiring from Test cricket and T20Is, effectively making him a player focused on just one format.

Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket in May of the previous year during IPL 2025 and concluded his T20I career in 2024 after leading India to victory in the T20 World Cup held in the West Indies. By the end of IPL 2025, he had transitioned into a one-format player, a change that was subtle and almost unnoticed during the season. However, this year, the distinction is clear and significant, a point Pathan emphasized. Kohli had participated in IPL 2025 following a Champions Trophy win, but this time, the circumstances are different.

Kaif's Confidence in Kohli's Abilities

Kaif Backs Kohli To Come Good in IPL 2026

Kaif stated, “It won’t affect him negatively. In fact, this break will be advantageous as he returns with a refreshed mindset. Adapting to the switch is something he has done throughout his career with India. If it were another player, it might be more challenging. Before his T20I retirement, he performed exceptionally well in the IPL, even winning the Man of the Match in the final. Few players can make such transitions effortlessly.”

Despite facing difficulties post-Test retirement, Kaif highlighted Kohli's aggressive batting style in white-ball formats, especially after stepping away from Tests. With clarity regarding his international future, Kohli is determined to prove his critics wrong and reaffirm his status as a top player. “This phase, particularly after retiring from Tests, has been tough for him. He is now playing with aggression in white-ball formats, showcasing an improved strike rate. He is committed to demonstrating that he is still Virat Kohli,” Kaif remarked.

Pathan's Perspective on Kohli's Challenges

What did Irfan Pathan Say About Virat Kohli

Pathan noted, “This season will be different for Kohli as he enters the IPL fully retired from Test cricket, focusing solely on one format. This shift can be challenging for any player. However, Kohli has consistently delivered outstanding performances. Even after a break, he has shown resilience in one-day formats. In T20s, stepping in as an aggressor without much recent play can be tough, but Kohli has faced numerous challenges before. I’m eager to see how he navigates this season,” Pathan shared.

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru are set to kick off the tournament against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday, March 28, 2026. Kohli's last international appearance was marked by a century in a three-match ODI series against New Zealand earlier this January.