- Virat Kohli opens up on his preparation and mental approach ahead of ODIs
- Arriving early in Ranchi, he visualised the game and topped it off with a 135-run masterclass
Virat Kohli showcased why he remains one of cricket’s modern greats, arriving early in Ranchi ahead of India’s first ODI against South Africa and delivering a clinical 135 off 120 balls to guide India to a 17-run victory. Despite over 300 ODIs and 226 international matches across formats, Kohli’s commitment to preparation remains uncompromising.
“I’ve said it before: if I’m arriving somewhere, I’ll arrive at 120%,” Kohli explained after claiming his 44th Player-of-the-Match award in ODIs. He arrived early to assess the conditions and fit in multiple batting sessions while also managing recovery. “I visualise the game a lot in my mind… if I see myself being intense, sharp, taking on fielders and bowlers, then I know I’m in a good space.”
Kohli’s innings featured seven sixes, his fifth ODI effort to hit more than five in a single match, and helped India post a competitive 349 in Ranchi. Batting at number three, he reached his fifty off 48 balls and completed his century in 102 balls alongside KL Rahul, demonstrating both aggression and situational awareness.
Reflecting on his approach to cricket, Kohli emphasised the mental over the mechanical. “I’ve never been a big believer of a lot of preparation. All my cricket has been mental… as long as my fitness levels are up and my enjoyment and mental sharpness is there, then you can visualise the game and you see yourself running hard, reacting fast, then you know it’s fine.”
Kohli’s philosophy, arriving early, visualising every scenario, and enjoying the process continues to define his extraordinary ODI career, blending experience, skill, and sheer intensity to keep India firmly in control.
