‘Never needed too much preparation’: Virat Kohli's veiled response to BCCI wanting seniors in domestic cricket

Virat Kohli's veiled response to BCCI wanting seniors in domestic cricket (BCCI Photo)

Virat Kohli delivered a direct and a few nuanced explanations following his powerful statement with the bat in the first ODI between India and South Africa in Ranchi on Sunday. The media's nudge-and-wink rumors that Kohli and Rohit Sharma were being asked by the BCCI to come out of Test retirements turned out to be wishful thinking.

He also provided oblique answers to queries about him representing Delhi in the domestic 50-over competition as requested by the selectors? Is it possible for a London-based player to simply show up to play for India? Those who are skilled at reading between the lines would have picked up on his hints.

“I’ve never been a big believer in a lot of preparation, if that makes sense. All my cricket has been mental. As long as I feel good mentally, I can play the game,” he told the broadcasters after collecting his Player of the Match award.

Also Read | Virat Kohli vs Sachin Tendulkar: Surpassed in many areas, untouchable in a select few

Additionally, Kohli provided a brief overview of his life overseas. “I work physically very hard every day of my life. It’s got nothing to do with cricket anymore. It’s the way I live. So as long as my fitness levels are up and my mental enjoyment and sharpness is there, when you can visualise the game and see yourself running as hard, reacting fast on the ball, you know it’s fine,” he said.

His 135 off 120 balls on Sunday demonstrated that visualisation and "net sessions" in England were sufficient to keep him match-ready.

In a flashback to when he initially gained national attention as a youngster, who led India to the Under-19 World Cup title, he displayed the reflexes of a young man and soared between wickets. Will the selectors who want him to play domestic cricket alter their minds, or can he continue till the 2027 World Cup?

Also Read | Tension in Indian dressing room: Gautam Gambhir’s growing disconnect with Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli upsets BCCI

Kohli insisted that he was aware of what would improve his performance. “I’ve played 300-odd ODI games and so much cricket over the last 15-16 years. If you can bat an hour and a half, two hours in the nets without taking a break, you’re meeting all the markers. I understand if there’s a dip in form, you look for games and try to get that form back,” he said.

Kohli’s control over the innings — from his pacing to placing shots exactly where he intended — showed no hint of any dip in form. “As long as you’re hitting the ball well and you’re playing good cricket, at this stage with the experience that I have, for me it’s about being physically fit, mentally ready and excited to play the games that I’m playing. Everything else should take care of itself,” he added.

Also Read | ‘Why question Virat Kohli’s future?’: India batting coach quashes speculation, hints at ODI World Cup plans

Kohli claimed he was enjoying his game because he had rediscovered the pleasure of hitting the ball, just as he had stated during the last IPL. “Today was really nice to kind of get into the game like that. The pitch played quite decently in the first 20-25 overs before it started to slow down. So I just felt like, ‘let me just go out there and just hit the ball, not think too much about any of the other stuff’. It’s just me and the ball coming at me and just enjoying the game of cricket,” he said.

Kohli emphasised that he "is always 120 percent" when he shows out to play. For example, he arrived in Ranchi a few days ahead of schedule in order to "get hold of the conditions."

He also admitted that playing international cricket at his age is challenging. “I took a day off before the game because I’m 37. So I also need to look after the recovery.”