Virat Kohli once again offered a glimpse into the mindset that has made him one of the greatest batsmen in modern cricket. After a scintillating 135-run knock in India’s 17-run win over South Africa in the first ODI, Kohli spoke candidly about his preparation, mindset, and approach to the game.
“I have never been a believer of a lot of preparation. All my cricket has been mental. I work physically very hard, and as long as my fitness levels are up and I am feeling well, it’s good,” Kohli said, making clear his perspective for those skeptical about his limited match practice.
Reflecting on the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, which the national selection committee wants him to play, he added, “I’ve played 300-odd ODI games and so much cricket. If you’re in touch with the game and able to hit balls in practice — even just an hour or two in the nets — you know you’re good. If you’re out of form, you want to play more in the nets. Other than that, it’s about being mentally ready and enjoying the game.”
Kohli had arrived in Ranchi a few days before the squad assembled to get a feel for the conditions. “I wanted to get hold of the conditions in Ranchi. I visualise the game a lot. When I see myself being intense and sharp in my mind, I know I can relax and play out there. I am 37, so I also need to take care of my body,” he explained.
The 37-year-old stressed that retaining the pure joy of playing remains central to his approach. “Today was really nice to get into the game like that. The pitch played decently for 20-25 overs before slowing down. I just wanted to play the ball and enjoy the game of cricket. It’s about being in a space of enjoyment. And when you get a start, then the experience kicks in and you’re able to build an innings,” Kohli added.
Kohli’s comments underline why, even after more than a decade at the top, he continues to excel by balancing mental preparation, physical fitness, and the sheer joy of playing — a formula that helped India secure a thrilling win in the series opener.
