“IPL Pushes You in Ways Bilateral Series Don’t”: Virat Kohli on Evolving Through T20 Pressure

RCB Star Virat Kohli Reflects on Mental Grind, Format Pressure, and the Tournament’s Role in Sharpening His T20 Game

New Delhi, April 9: Former Indian skipper and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) icon Virat Kohli has credited the Indian Premier League (IPL) with shaping his growth as a T20 cricketer. Speaking on ‘18 Calling 18’ on JioCinema, Kohli highlighted how the IPL’s long-format, ever-evolving structure provides a unique psychological and competitive challenge compared to short bilateral series.

“IPL challenges you in a very unique way because of how the tournament is structured,” Kohli said. “Your position on the points table keeps shifting — and that creates different kinds of pressure. When you’re leading, you feel the pressure to sustain that. When you’re at the bottom, it’s about finding motivation to bounce back. And when you’re stuck in the middle, every match feels like a knockout. That constant flux forces you to evolve your game and mindset.”

Kohli’s reflections come at a time when he’s enjoying a strong run in IPL 2025, having scored 164 runs in four matches, including two half-centuries. His form has helped RCB win three of their four games, ending long-standing losing streaks — including their first-ever win at Wankhede against Mumbai Indians (MI) in a decade and a breakthrough win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Chennai after 17 years.

The RCB stalwart also recently joined an elite list by becoming the fifth cricketer worldwide — and the first Indian — to score 13,000 runs in T20 cricket, edging closer to Chris Gayle’s all-time record. Kohli’s T20 tally includes nine centuries, eight of which have come in the IPL, further underlining his dominance in the league.

Having previously crossed the 10,000-run mark in 2021, Kohli continues to lead from the front, especially in IPL where over 8,000 of his T20 runs have been scored. His explosive fifty against MI at Wankhede, one of his fastest ever, reaffirmed his form and adaptability in high-pressure situations.

RCB, still chasing their elusive first IPL title, are seen as strong contenders this season with one of the most balanced squads in their history. Kohli is set to return to action tonight as RCB faces Delhi Capitals in a crucial clash in Delhi.