Known for his aggression on the cricket field, Kohli has shown a significant change in his approach over the last few years. This balanced approach has made him a role model for millions of fans. His pursuit of excellence has highlighted the importance of discipline and fitness not only within the sport but also in everyday life.
This change reflects a broader cultural movement toward healthier and more disciplined lifestyles, inspired by Kohli’s example.
Kohli took over the captaincy of the Indian team from MS Dhoni, who had won all three ICC white-ball tournaments. Kohli’s rise to captaincy began in 2014 when he was appointed Test captain during a series against Australia. Notably, in his first match as captain, he scored a century in both innings in Adelaide.
In 2017, Kohli replaced Dhoni as the full-time captain of India’s white-ball cricket team. Under his leadership, the team reached the final. Champions Trophy and the 2019 semi-final ICC Cricket World CupHowever, he could not win the title.
Here are five key things to learn from Virat Kohli:
1. Respect the opportunity given by life:
During the post-match presentation of the 2024 T20 World Cup Final, Virat Kohli was overwhelmed with emotions and said, “Apne head down laye, avsar ki izzat karke hi aage badh sakta hai.” Which means ‘One can only move forward by keeping one’s head down and respecting opportunities.’
Virat Kohli entered the 2024 T20 World Cup by winning the IPL Orange Cap, with fans around the world having high expectations from him. During the IPL, his game showed a change and he adopted a more aggressive approach right from the start.
Virat Kohli (PTI Photo)
Despite his excellent form, Kohli faced challenges in the T20 World Cup. He managed to score a total of 156 runs, out of which 76 runs were scored in the final match. The team gave him an important opportunity and he performed well when it was needed the most.
2. Trust in God’s plan:
In an interview to Sky Sports, Kohli said, “God has a plan for everyone and I never doubt God’s plan.”
Virat Kohli’s cricket career has seen many significant achievements and changes. He first gained attention after India’s victory in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in 2008. He furthered this success by playing a key role in India’s 2011 ODI World Cup win alongside legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh. Notably, Kohli scored a century in his first match of the tournament.
In 2013, Kohli achieved another significant milestone by winning the Champions Trophy along with teammate Shikhar Dhawan. Rohit SharmaAnd ravindra jadeja Under the captaincy of MS Dhoni.
Although Kohli won the Player of the Tournament award twice in the T20 World Cup and once in the ODI World Cup, he did not win another major trophy until 2024. In his final T20 International, Kohli was named Player of the Match and India won the 2024 T20 World Cup.
The win has added Kohli to the list of Indian cricketers who have won all three limited-overs ICC tournaments.
3. Work hard and bounce back
During an online interview with Graham Bensinger, Virat said, “Every time I reached the lowest point, somehow I would put everything aside and say okay, I will work hard and get up again.”
Virat Kohli faced a tough phase in his cricket career during the COVID-19 pandemic, he had to wait a long time to score an international century. It took Kohli 1020 days and 83 innings to break this drought, which was a complete reversal from his previous record of 70 international centuries.
During this time, Kohli’s captaincy was handed over to Rohit Sharma. Sharma led the team to victory in the T20 World Cup 2024. Many cricket pundits talked about keeping Kohli out of their teams, but Kohli continued to work hard.
Virat Kohli made a brilliant comeback during the 2022 T20 Cricket World Cup. In the match against Pakistan, India were struggling at 31 for 4 after the powerplay while chasing 159 runs. Kohli played a crucial innings by scoring 82 runs in 53 balls. India needed 28 runs in 8 balls, Kohli was on strike and led his team to victory.
4. Take risks
During an interview for Puma, Virat said, “You have to take risks, yes, there is no such thing as a safe option.” Virat suggested that it is important to take risks in life as there are no safe options in life.
Virat Kohli, who is known for his strategy of rotating the strike initially and adapting himself according to the pitch, has changed his approach. Kohli has started attacking the bowlers from the first ball itself, and has started playing more aggressive and aerial shots. This change shows a significant change in his batting style.
Kohli used to focus on assessing the pitch before playing big shots, but now he takes calculated risks right from the start of his innings. This new strategy highlights his evolving game and adaptability in cricket.
5. The night is darkest just before dawn
“I was not very confident in the last few matches. I was not feeling really good, but when God has to give you something, he shows it to you in a way you can’t imagine. So I said, I am really grateful and humbled,” Virat said in the match presentation after the T20 World Cup final.
Virat Kohli performed brilliantly in the 2023 ODI World Cup. He became the first man to score 50 ODI centuries, breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record. Kohli scored 765 runs in 11 innings and maintained an impressive average of 95.62.
Virat Kohli (PTI Photo)
The Indian team performed incredibly well with ten consecutive wins, but they lost the final match to Australia. This defeat was disappointing and affected the cricket spirit of the country, which was later restored after winning the 2024 T20 World Cup.
