Kohli has ‘let himself go and he’s having fun,’ says Moody
The Evolution of a Modern Icon
Virat Kohli’s performance in the 2026 IPL season has been nothing short of transformative. With a striking strike rate of 165.85, the star batter has shed the constraints of his previous ‘business-like’ approach to the game. While young talents like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi have grabbed headlines, Kohli remains firmly in the elite, standing among the few to score over 500 runs this season with such a high efficiency.
A Shift in Mindset
Reflecting on this transformation, Tom Moody, the global director of cricket for Lucknow Super Giants, offered a profound observation. Kohli has ‘let himself go and he’s having fun,’ says Moody, highlighting how the veteran has moved away from managing his innings like a business to playing with a sense of freedom that was previously missing. This shift in attitude has manifested in his attacking intent; in IPL 2026, he attempted to hit a boundary against 47% of the balls faced in the powerplay, a testament to his newfound aggression.
The Impact of a Balanced RCB Line-up
While Moody attributes the change to Kohli’s mindset, others point to the structural changes within the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) squad. Varun Aaron, the Sunrisers Hyderabad bowling coach, suggests that Kohli’s liberation is largely due to the stronger middle order now supporting him. For years, RCB relied heavily on a top-heavy trio, but the current inclusion of players like Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal, Tim David, and Krunal Pandya has provided a safety net.
“There’s a reason he’s having more fun because he has a middle order that he can rely on,” Aaron noted. The presence of capable batters behind him has allowed Kohli to play with less burden, knowing that his team possesses the depth to recover should he fall early.
Redefining T20 Batting Instincts
Ambati Rayudu, analyzing the technical shift in Kohli’s game, points out that the modern Kohli has developed a completely new instinct. Unlike the past, where he focused on pacing his innings for the long haul, he is now prioritizing the maximization of every single delivery. “He doesn’t want to really plan too far ahead. He’s looking at the next delivery and how we can maximize it,” Rayudu observed.
This evolution also addresses previous criticisms regarding his strike rate and his ability to handle spin outside of the powerplay. By adapting to the demands of the modern game—particularly with the introduction of the Impact Player rule—Kohli has managed to stay ahead of the curve. He has proven that he can blend his traditional class with the high-octane requirements of contemporary T20 cricket.
The Joy of the Game
Ultimately, the most visible change is the joy Kohli displays on the field. As Moody eloquently put it, the tension that once seemed to shroud his batting has evaporated. Watching him today, one sees a master of his craft who is simply enjoying his time at the crease. Whether it is his unbeaten 75 off 42 balls in a high-stakes final or his consistent boundary-hitting, Kohli is benefiting from a career-best period of clarity and freedom. As he continues to dominate, the fans and the sport of cricket alike are reaping the rewards of this refreshed, invigorated version of one of the game’s greatest players.
