Former Team India captain Virat Kohli talked about the ongoing debate on senior players taking part in domestic cricket in order to remain in the plans for the 2027 World Cup. The batsman indicated that he did not completely agree with the idea that playing domestic cricket should be a requirement for selection.
Virat Kohli played a key role in India’s 17-run win during the 1st ODI against South Africa in Ranchi on Sunday, November 30. He scored 135 runs off 120 balls, his 52nd century in the format. The right-handed batsman became the player to score the most international centuries in a single format.
I have never been a believer in too much preparation – Virat Kohli
After Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired from T20Is and Tests, they now play only in ODI cricket. There will be limited ODI matches in India for the foreseeable future and the next World Cup is still far away. The selectors are concerned about whether the senior batsmen will get enough match practice to stay fit and sharp.
Notably, the BCCI is reportedly keen on having both the players participate in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy. Kohli shared his perspective during the post-match interaction. Kohli said that he never relied much on long or extensive preparation.
“I never believe in too much preparation, if that makes sense. My whole cricket has been mental. As long as I feel good mentally, I can play the game,” Kohli told broadcasters on Sunday.
I work very hard physically every day of my life – Virat Kohli
Kohli also revealed how he manages his fitness while spending time abroad. He said that physical training has become a daily routine for him and he focuses on staying mentally sharp and physically prepared.
Kohli said, “I work very hard physically every day of my life. Now it has nothing to do with cricket. It’s my way of life. So as long as my fitness levels are up and my mental joy is up and sharp, when you can visualize the game and see yourself working hard, reacting fast to the ball, then you know it’s OK.”
If there is a dip in form, you are looking for a game – Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli said that after playing more than 300 ODIs and more than 15 years of international cricket, he knows what his body needs. Kohli said the demand for extra match time becomes necessary only when a player struggles with form, adding that he does not need consecutive games to perform at his best.
Kohli said, “I have played around 300 ODIs and so much cricket in the last 15-16 years. If you can bat for one and a half hours, two hours in the nets without taking a break, then you are meeting all the standards. I understand that if there is a dip in form, you look for games and try to get that form back.”
According to Times of India, Kohli has agreed to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. After the South Africa series ends, he is expected to return to London but will join the Delhi team in Bengaluru for a few matches before coming back into the Indian team for the home series against New Zealand in January.
Also read: ‘Centurion’ Virat Kohli became the victim of Ryan Rickelton’s brilliant catch in Ranchi ODI.
