Ranchi: At 37, Virat Kohli continues to redefine consistency in ODI cricket. Despite his vast experience and status as one of India’s all-time greats, Kohli emphasizes that the key to batting lies in mental sharpness rather than repetitive physical routines. He relies heavily on visualizing match situations and staying mentally switched on, proving that preparation is as much about the mind as it is about technique.
Two days before India’s first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi, Kohli arrived early for practice. The stadium was quiet, the floodlights were off, and the series was days away—but Kohli was already immersing himself in the conditions. Even after 300+ ODIs and a career spanning 17 years, his preparation remained meticulous. “If I’m arriving somewhere, I’ll arrive at 120 percent,” he had said after earning his 44th Player of the Match award in ODIs.
Masterclass in Ranchi
Kohli’s preparation paid off in the opening ODI, where he scored a commanding 135 off 120 balls—his 52nd ODI century and 83rd international hundred—surpassing Sachin Tendulkar in terms of centuries in a single format at a faster pace. The innings marked a return of the energy and rhythm fans had missed during his time away from international cricket, living in London and focusing solely on ODIs after retiring from Tests and T20Is.
Arriving in Ranchi a month after his last international outing, Kohli focused on mental visualization. “I bat a couple of sessions in the day and one in the evening to get a feel for the conditions,” he said. Recovery was also a priority: “I took a day off before the game because I’m 37.” His mental sharpness and experience helped him pace the innings even on a slowing pitch, finishing with seven sixes and leading India to a 349-run total and a 17-run win.
The Mental Edge
Kohli’s approach remains consistent. He believes in mental readiness over excessive practice. “All my cricket has been mental. I work physically very hard… as long as my fitness is up and I feel well, I’m good,” he said. He trains to maintain fitness, instinct, and clarity, often spending 1.5 to 2 hours in the nets without breaks, focusing on hitting the ball well and enjoying the game.
He explains, “As long as my enjoyment and mental sharpness are there, I can visualise the game. When the game opens up, and I get a start, I’ll be able to score runs.”
Training in London
Former South African fast bowler Dale Steyn revealed that Kohli continues rigorous training in London. “He has great facilities at Lord’s, practices at Surrey, and works with a personal trainer,” Steyn said. “He’s always mentally strong, knows his game, and commits fully to each session. That’s why he continues to perform at the highest level.”
Looking Ahead to 2027
While selectors have hinted that the ageing legs of Kohli and Rohit Sharma cannot be guaranteed for the 2027 World Cup, Ranchi offered a glimpse of Kohli’s undiminished influence. Fans in the stands erupted with every milestone, and Kohli’s celebrations reflected the weight of experience and passion. Ravi Shastri remarked that the innings silenced critics and reaffirmed Kohli’s status as a cornerstone of India’s white-ball cricket.
Even as he focuses solely on ODIs, Kohli’s preparation, mental clarity, and fitness continue to make him one of India’s most reliable performers. At 37, he proves that mastery in cricket is a blend of experience, discipline, and an unbreakable mental edge.
