>>40176960Ash VS Tobias was a single episode because DP had to end very quickly and resolve its remaining subplots. Conversely, with Ash VS Kukui, it is because we still have some breathing room left; at most 6 more episodes, so they can spend 2 of those to resolve the end of this. After all, all that is left are Mohn subplot, Magearna, Tapu Koko, and the wrap-up, which can all be resolved in 4 episodes.
With that said, Kukui's strategy was to gauge Torracat's strength by using its rival, Incineroar, as the constant. Kukui didn't intend to use Incineroar right away, but did so out of respect for Torracat's fighting spirit. Once Ash recalled Torracat, Kukui kept Incineroar out to gauge Lycanroc's strength, but recalled once Kukui realized that Incineroar was at a disadvantage against the faster Rock-type opponent. Kukui knows Lycanroc excels at close-range combat, so he opted for a Pokemon that attacks from a distance. With that said, this Pokemon (Braviary) is a Flying-type, so it has a massive disadvantage against Lycanroc. I suppose Braviary is used to tire out Lycanroc and exhaust its stamina. (We shouldn't disregard Braviary as it is extremely powerful and Kukui used it to beat Guzma earlier.)
