as 19th edition indian premier league Royal Challengers Bangalore take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru and the spotlight is on three modern day greats- MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma — all hoping to make a strong statement again this season. Former India batsman turned commentator Akash Chopra Weigh in on what to expect from the trio, providing insight into their roles, format and potential impact at the upcoming event. Chopra backed Kohli to shine again, pointing to his excellent fitness levels and dominant start. He feels that these factors give Kohli an edge over others, even when compared to Rohit Sharma. “The focus will again be on Virat Kohli because he is very fit. The fitness he has achieved over a period of time makes him the best fit and also because he is an opener. The same goes for Rohit Sharma, but between the two of them, I still feel Virat Kohli has it easier because of who he is. That is the price he has to pay for the fitness and legacy he has built,” Chopra said. The 37-year-old Kohli remains the most prolific batsman in IPL history with 8,661 runs in 267 games. He has been a part of RCB since 2008 and also holds the record for most runs in a season (973 in 2016) and highest hundreds in a tournament (eight). Chopra, however, believes Dhoni faces a tougher challenge. former chennai super kings The skipper, now 40 years old, faces the added difficulties of limited game time and a demanding dual role ahead of the IPL. “It’s a bit difficult for Dhoni as well because he’s on the wrong side of 40. For him, not playing any games for 10 months, participating in the IPL and opening up form, and only playing 10-12 balls, was the most difficult thing. And then there are 20 wickets, so he has probably the toughest job,” Chopra explained. Regarding Rohit’s approach with the bat, Chopra doesn’t expect the intention to change. With Mumbai Indians’ batting line-up loaded with power around him, the responsibility of attacking early remains crucial. “When you are part of the Mumbai Indians batting order, the tone has to be set for Rohit Sharma. Rohit does want to bat in a certain way. He has expressed his opinion very publicly. But if you are part of a set-up with Quinton de Kock at the other end and then Tilak, Surya, Hardik, Will Jacks or Sherfan Rutherford and then Naman Deer, what is the alternative? You need to maximize 20 overs, which basically means maximizing the first 6 overs.“ “So, yes, Rohit should bat, look, bat in the same way; that’s what I think about the whole setup at Mumbai Indians, unless the pitch requires you to play a slightly different kind of cricket,” he added. The three icons are at different stages of their careers and IPL 2026 will write a wonderful chapter in their enduring legacies.
