Sanjay Manjrekar on Virat Kohli’s Strike Rate: ‘He’s Batting Faster Due to Pressure’

Sanjay Manjrekar opined that Virat Kohli increased his strike rate in IPL 2026 due to pressure and criticism over slow batting.

Sanjay Manjrekar has explained Virat Kohli’s shift in batting speed during IPL 2026, linking it to growing external pressure. The former India batter said Virat Kohli now scores at a strike rate of 140-150, a clear jump from 125-130 seen 3 to 4 years ago.

Manjrekar noted that Kohli has not changed his technique but has altered his intent. Earlier, Kohli focused on rotating strike after hitting boundaries and aimed to bat deep. He now looks to attack more frequently.

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The commentator added that Kohli sensed criticism around his strike rate and responded by increasing his scoring pace. He also pointed out that Royal Challengers Bengaluru now have a stronger batting unit, which allows Kohli to play freely even if 1 or 2 early wickets fall.

“This is, again, going to rile up Virat Kohli fans. We have seen Virat Kohli bat differently, bat superbly this season at a strike rate of 140-150. This is the same Virat Kohli; there is nothing that has changed. It is only that he has decided that he is going to bat quicker. And why has he decided that? Because he could see the pressure building and people talking about him batting a little too slowly,” he said via Sportstar.

“This 150 strike rate was 125-130 three to four years back. It was only because Virat Kohli would hit a boundary and then pick up a one or a two. After all, he wanted to extend his innings and play longer because he felt he had to be the man to bat for most of the innings and didn’t trust the batters down the order,” Manjrekar added.

Notably, Virat Kohli has scored 351 runs in 8 innings in IPL 2026 and sits fourth among top run-getters. He averages 58.50 with 3 half-centuries and strikes at 162.50. This is his highest strike rate since his debut in the inaugural 2008 season.