Kohli, now 37, has stepped away from Test and T20 internationals but continues to show no signs of decline.
After leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their maiden IPL crown on their 18th attempt, the veteran is expected to remain central to their title defence.
"He will be hungrier than ever, especially after lifting the IPL trophy last season," former India pace bowler Pathan told host broadcaster JioHotstar.
"He will have the same kind of passion when he comes back this season. He will want to lift the trophy once again."
Beyond Kohli's ambitions, IPL 2026 promises a fresh landscape. World Cup stars are set to debut for new franchises, while the absence of several overseas players early in the tournament is likely to reshape team combinations and open the door for emerging talent.
One such name is Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a teenage batting prodigy who turns 15 on Friday. Slated to open for Rajasthan Royals, he arrives after a sensational Under-19 World Cup campaign in Harare, where he smashed 175 off 80 balls against England in the final to help India lift the trophy.
Already an IPL record-breaker, he famously hit a six off his first delivery and followed it with a 35-ball century.
Just days before the start of the 2026 IPL season, defending champions RCB have undergone a major ownership change, with a consortium led by Aditya Birla and The Times of India completing a takeover.
England batter Ben Duckett has withdrawn from his contract with Indian Premier League side Delhi Capitals to stay at home and play domestic first-class cricket.
Cheteshwar Pujara believes Shubman Gill still has a significant role to play in the IPL despite missing out on India's successful T20 World Cup campaign.
India's T20 World Cup winner Ishan Kishan is set to captain Sunrisers Hyderabad at the start of IPL as Australia skipper Pat Cummins continues to work his way back from injury.
