Ashwin Hails Kohli's 'Bizarre' Energy and Unwavering Intensity in IPL Comeback
Indian cricket stalwart Ravichandran Ashwin has showered rich praise on Virat Kohli, describing his energy levels as "bizarre" for his age and emphasizing that the former captain continues to "walk the talk" even after stepping away from Test and T20I cricket. Ashwin's comments come in the wake of Kohli's spectacular return to T20 action in the IPL 2026 opener.
Kohli's Dominant Return to T20 Cricket
Virat Kohli marked his highly anticipated return to T20 cricket in emphatic style, smashing an unbeaten 69 runs off just 38 balls to guide Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a commanding six-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad. This explosive innings served as a powerful statement of intent from the veteran batsman, showcasing his enduring class and match-winning capabilities.
Ashwin, speaking on a JioHotstar show, was particularly impressed by Kohli's approach and intensity at the crease. "He walks the talk," Ashwin declared, highlighting how Kohli continues to set the benchmark for professionalism and performance. "It's almost like he's putting on a show for people to see how the game should be played — play it hard and play it the way it's meant to be played," the seasoned spinner added.
'Bizarre at This Age': Ashwin on Kohli's Unmatched Hunger
What stood out most for Ashwin was Kohli's extraordinary intensity between the wickets, which he finds remarkable given the batsman's age and experience. "I find him quite bizarre at this age. I tell him this during our chats," Ashwin revealed, offering a glimpse into their personal conversations about cricket and commitment.
Ashwin recalled a specific moment from Kohli's innings that perfectly illustrated this relentless drive: "He was batting on 40-odd, RCB were coasting, and he ran through for a single. He stopped, and before the other batter had reached halfway, he was already looking for a second." This eagerness to push for extra runs, even with a shorter boundary available, reflects Kohli's undiminished hunger for success according to Ashwin.
"That shows the enthusiasm he still brings to the game," Ashwin noted, emphasizing that this quality sets Kohli apart from many contemporaries who might ease up at similar career stages.
Consistency Across Formats and Praise for Duffy
Kohli's match-winning knock against Sunrisers Hyderabad builds upon a prolific run in One Day Internationals, where he had already demonstrated sublime form against New Zealand and South Africa earlier this year. This consistency across different formats underscores his technical mastery and adaptability as a modern batting great.
Ashwin also took time to praise Jacob Duffy for his match-defining bowling spell, crediting the pacer for setting the tone with the ball. "When Duffy was picked, I said it was an amazing choice. He's right in the prime of his career," Ashwin commented, noting that the bowler adapted smartly after early setbacks.
"Tactically, RCB were superior and he executed those plans beautifully," Ashwin observed about Duffy's performance. However, the spotlight remained firmly on Kohli, whose relentless drive continues to defy age expectations and inspire teammates and opponents alike.
Ashwin's admiration for Kohli extends beyond mere statistics to encompass the intangible qualities of leadership, work ethic, and competitive spirit that have defined the latter's career. As the IPL season progresses, all eyes will be on whether Kohli can maintain this extraordinary level of performance and intensity throughout the tournament.
