Virat Kohli IPL 2026 Final: Childhood Coach Praises Match Winning Knock & Batting Technique Over Power Hitting

Virat Kohli’s match-winning knock in the IPL 2026 final has been held up as fresh proof that solid technique and calm temperament still matter in T20 cricket, with childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma saying the innings showed young players that power alone does not decide success.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru defended their IPL title with a five-wicket win over Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad, where Kohli anchored a chase of 155 with an unbeaten 75 from 42 balls, hitting nine fours and three sixes as the target was reached in 18 overs.

Virat Kohli IPL final knock underlines value of technique

Sharma, who guided Kohli in junior cricket, described the display as both “excellent” and “brilliant”, stressing that the approach carried a strong message for emerging batters who often focus on sheer power-hitting in the shortest format.

Explaining why the innings stood out, Sharma said many youngsters now fixate on clearing the boundary, but Kohli showed that clean stroke play, sharp placement and smart running can still control a chase, especially on a big stage such as an IPL final.

Sharma told PTI Videos, "That is a lesson for the youngsters to understand that it's not about power-hitting only, not about hitting sixes only. If you are good with the technique, you can always score big and that is what Virat showed today also."

Virat Kohli IPL consistency and mindset praised

Across the season, Kohli crossed 600 runs for the fourth year in a row, despite playing very little T20 cricket outside the IPL, and Sharma linked this sustained output to a mindset built around winning matches and maintaining high standards in every innings.

Sharma said, "If you have good technique, good temperament... that is what he has been doing for so long for his franchise as well as for Indian cricket. He has won so many matches for India showing this type of batting and he is an example for the youngsters to understand and learn how T20 cricket is played."

According to Sharma, Kohli’s hunger to decide games has shaped a reputation that stretches beyond numbers, as many supporters appreciate a player who often takes responsibility in pressure chases and continues to place team success ahead of personal milestones.

Sharma added, "He has been a champion player. Everybody knows the amount of matches he has won for the country and that is why everybody admires him because he is a sort of player who likes to win matches on his own and he always keeps his team before himself.

"That is why he is the most loved cricketer in the world. He is the most loved cricketer in India. He is an inspiration for all the youngsters and he has been so consistent throughout his life," Sharma said.

Virat Kohli IPL impact and fitness standards highlighted

With Kohli expected to return to ODI duty in the home series against Afghanistan this month, Sharma pointed out that fitness and professionalism remain central to the former India captain’s training routine, and continue to influence both teammates and fans.

Summing up that influence, Sharma said, "Virat Kohli has been preparing so well for himself and he has been an example. He is bringing that fitness mantra not only for the cricket community but for the whole country.

"He continues to inspire all Indian cricketers as well as all Indian people. He has shown by example what he does with his fitness and what he does with his intensity," Sharma said.

The IPL final knock, added to another 600-plus run season and an imminent ODI return against Afghanistan, underlines how Kohli’s mix of technique, temperament and fitness keeps shaping his career while also offering a template for younger cricketers watching from across India.