'Virat Kohli has done more than anyone else': Shubman Gill’s adaptability put next to RCB star's greatness

Vijay Dahiya drew a detailed comparison between Kohli and Shubman, focusing on their ability to adapt across situations and formats.

Published on: May 26, 2026, 11:32:23 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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IPL 2026 has brought a sharper, high-tempo edge to batting, forcing established stars like Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill to adapt quickly. With younger hitters such as Vaibhav Sooryavanshi regularly striking at around 200, the bar for T20 totals has risen dramatically. Scores beyond 220 are no longer seen as secure, as teams continue to chase them with surprising ease this season. That has put extra pressure on technically strong batters to expand their range and accelerate from the start. Kohli and Gill have responded well to the challenge, adjusting their tempo without losing consistency. Gill has accumulated 616 runs at a strike rate of 161.67. Kohli, meanwhile, remains prolific with 557 runs at a strike rate of 163.82, crossing 500 runs once again in his career. Overall, IPL 2026 continues to redefine batting standards, rewarding fearless intent and rapid scoring across all venues consistently this season.

Virat Kohli remains the gold standard as Shubman Gill’s adaptability sparks. (X Image)

Gujarat Titans assistant coach Vijay Dahiya lauded the batting stars Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli, highlighting how their solid technique and strong mental resolve make them vital to the team’s batting structure.

"Absolutely, these three [Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli], are going to play a very crucial role, and one thing that you mentioned, good, you mentioned these three names, and that tells you that if you are technically very strong, all three names, if you want to put them in grade, they are there. Very strong mentally, and they can change the game according to the format," Dahiya said ahead of qualifier 1 between RCB and GT.

Also Read - Vaibhav Sooryavanshi picked over Virat Kohli in ex-CSK star’s IPL 2026 best XII

Shubman Gill shifts gears in IPL 2026

Ahead of the season, Shubman faced intense scrutiny after missing out on the T20 World Cup squad, with his strike rate coming under sharp criticism. However, the Gujarat Titans skipper has since elevated his game, adding another dimension to his batting and answering his critics in style.

Dahiya drew a detailed comparison between Kohli and Shubman, focusing on their ability to adapt across situations and formats, while underlining how experience and temperament shape their batting evolution in modern cricket.

"This is what they have done. But you have to have that in you to change according to the situation, according to the format, and all three have done that. Virat Kohli has done more than anyone else in this because he has played much more than the other two names that you spoke about. But this season the way Shubham Gill has played, I think he tells you how strong he is, not only technically, but mentally as well and can change his game according to the situation and according to the demand of the format as well," he added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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