Former India all-rounder and 2007 T20 World Cup winner **Irfan Pathan** has cautioned that the upcoming **IPL 2026** season could pose new challenges for **Virat Kohli** as he joins the **Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)** camp in Bengaluru. Pathan told that this is Kohli’s first IPL season after his retirement from **Test cricket** on **May 12, 2025**, due to which he is now reduced to only one format international player and his entire focus is now only on ODIs.
Speaking on his YouTube channel (as reported on March 18-19, 2026), Pathan said: “This time, things will be a little different for Kohli. For the first time, he will be playing the IPL after completely retiring from Test cricket. He is just playing one format. It is not easy for anyone. But he has scored runs, and his performances have been fantastic. Even when he comes after the break, in ODI cricket It is not difficult for him, when you play an aggressive role and come without playing many matches, but he has faced many challenges in the past. I am very excited to see how he will progress this season.
Pathan praised Kohli’s vital role in RCB’s historic first IPL title in 2025, where he scored **657 runs** in 15 matches at a strike rate of **144.71** and an average of **54.75**, which included eight half-centuries. This shift from the traditional anchor role to being the main attacking player became a key factor in ending RCB’s long wait for the title under captain **Rajat Patidar**.
Kohli, retained by RCB, has been in great form since his retirement from Tests with impressive performances in ODIs, including centuries against South Africa and New Zealand. They aim to start their title defense in the season opener against **Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)** at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on **March 28, 2026** (7:30 PM IST). Despite minor issues with the availability of some stars and emerging young players, Pathan remains optimistic about Kohli’s hunger for continued success; They place special emphasis on his long association with RCB and his ability to adapt to the circumstances.