Former Team India captain Virat Kohli has spoken openly about his preparation and mindset before the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa. The right-handed batsman said that whenever he makes himself available to play, he ensures that he plays to his full potential and never enters a series less than his best.
Kohli had to struggle to return to international cricket in the ODI series against Australia. He recorded ducks in the first two matches, but bounced back with a match-winning innings of 74 runs in the final game. There is hope that Kohli can carry forward the pace that he rediscovered in that last outing.
I come at my 100% potential – Virat Kohli
In a video released by BCCI, Virat Kohli said that continuous work every day brings mental and physical strength. Kohli said that he makes himself available only when he knows that he can give his best.
Virat Kohli said, “Working makes you mentally and physically stronger. It is a constant process every day of your life. It is not just related to cricket.”
“I am confident that once I make myself available to play, I reach 100% of my potential. That’s how I have always played my cricket. I have never even reached 95% in any series or tournament,” he said.
“I think experience is an accumulation of you being present and aware in those situations and then storing all those memories so that you can use them when a similar situation arises again.”
Something that helps you keep your hard work consistent – Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli said that staying mentally balanced helps him maintain consistency in his training and efforts. Kohli said players learn that results come from hard work and not the other way around.
“I think staying in a balanced place is something that helps you keep your hard work consistent. And I think that’s the key to playing for a long time – no matter what the results are, your work, your effort, your commitment doesn’t change,” Kohli said.
“That’s why, after playing for 10-15 years, you become wiser. You understand that your routine cannot depend on results. Results are a by-product of hard work, not the other way around.”
It doesn’t matter whether you are 38 years old or 28 years old – Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma said age doesn’t change his hunger to play for India as the desire to perform remains the same throughout his career. He said ODI cricket demands a mix of Test-match discipline and T20 aggression, especially for an opening batsman facing the swinging new ball.
“Every time you come out and represent your country, the excitement and desire is always there. So it doesn’t matter whether you are 38 years old or 28 years old,” Rohit said.
“One-day cricket is a mix of Test and T20 cricket. You need to be skilled enough to handle both the skill sets. Especially for me, because I open the batting when the ball is good and new,” he said.
“I know the ball swings, so you have to get your Test cricket mentality in there – try to leave the ball as much as possible and try to play close to the body.”
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