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Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan opined that the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season could be more challenging for Virat Kohli compared to previous seasons, as he is only playing one format in international cricket as of now. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) legend retired from T20I cricket after helping India win the T20 World Cup in 2024. Last year, during the IPL, he called time on his Test career.
While Pathan said that Kohli has performed brilliantly in ODI cricket since the last IPL, this season could be even more challenging for him. The cricketer-turned-commentator mentioned that he is excited to watch the former RCB skipper deal with the situation once the season begins on March 28.
"This time, things will be a little different for Kohli. For the first time, he will play the IPL having completely retired from Test cricket. He is playing only one format. It is not easy for anyone. But he has scored and his performance has been brilliant. Even when he comes after a break, it has not been difficult for him in one-day cricket. 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 as well. I am very excited to see how he will go forward this season," he said on his YouTube channel.
Pathan highlighted how Kohli improved his strike rate last season, which played a significant role in the Bengaluru-based franchise winning its maiden IPL title.
"Virat Kohli and RCB is an identity that goes together. He started with RCB and is still playing for them. He has delivered brilliant performances. It was also a golden period in his career when he captained the team, there were a lot of brilliant performances. When they won last season, his strike rate also went up. He did not play anchor but took the role of an aggressor. It was a very big factor. They will expect even this time that he keeps up the same form," he stated.
I used to look at RCB fans, I would pray from my heart to make them win: Pathan
Pathan also revealed that he prayed for RCB to win the title at least once, especially looking at its passionate fan base. IPL 2025 turned out to be the stage, as Rajat Patidar-led RCB defeated Punjab Kings in the final to end their drought.
"For a team that has waited so many years, as much as the team and their fans have waited, then when victory comes, the memories of it will always be there. They waited for 17 years. As an ex-cricketer, whenever I used to look at RCB fans, I would pray from my heart to make them win, let their dream of having that trophy once be completed. This was my wish so many times just looking at their fans. This time they will enter the ground with the title of defending champions," he expressed.
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