Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has endorsed Virat Kohli as the top performer in the upcoming IPL 2026, favoring his fitness and consistency over MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma. Kohli’s impressive performance for RCB last season, scoring 657 runs with a strike rate of 144.71 and an average of 54.75, has raised expectations for his upcoming display. Chopra highlighted Kohli’s exceptional fitness level and ability to maintain consistency as key factors that give him an edge in the tournament.
Chopra emphasized that Kohli’s fitness regime and position as an opener provide him with an advantage, allowing him more time to find his form. While acknowledging Rohit Sharma’s similar strengths, Chopra believes Kohli has a slight edge due to his personal dedication to fitness and the legacy he has built over the years. The former cricketer expressed confidence in Kohli’s ability to deliver outstanding performances in the upcoming IPL season.
Regarding MS Dhoni, Chopra pointed out the challenges the veteran cricketer may face in IPL 2026, especially considering his age and the long break from competitive cricket. Dhoni, being over 40 years old, will have to quickly adapt to the demands of the game, including limited opportunities to bat and the rigorous task of wicketkeeping. Chopra highlighted the demanding nature of Dhoni’s role in the team, emphasizing the difficulties associated with his age and the intensity of T20 cricket.
Chopra also discussed Rohit Sharma’s role in the Mumbai Indians team, expecting him to maintain his aggressive batting style at the top order to set the tone for the team’s innings. With a strong batting lineup, including players like Quinton de Kock, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya, Chopra stressed the importance of maximizing the first six overs to capitalize on the team’s potential. He predicted that Rohit would continue to adopt a positive approach, focusing on seeing the ball and playing attacking cricket to lead Mumbai Indians to success in the tournament.
