“Angry celebrations are a thing of a past” – Virat Kohli talks upon his difficult times ahead of the World Cup 2023.
Star India batter, Virat Kohli, is set to make his fourth appearance in the ODI World Cup, with India aiming to secure their third title on home soil. Kohli’s resurgence as a formidable force in the cricketing world has been remarkable, following a challenging three-year dry spell. At 34 years old, he not only carries the hopes of the nation but also the legacy of India’s victorious 2011 campaign on home turf. Kohli remains the only active player from that triumphant batch, alongside Ravichandran Ashwin.
In the current year, the Delhi-born cricketer has been in sensational form, amassing 612 runs from 13 innings at an impressive average of 55.63 and a remarkable strike rate of 112.91. His performance includes three centuries and two half-centuries, a testament to his exceptional skill and determination.
Reflecting on his recent struggles, the former India captain has revealed profound insights gained from that challenging phase. Kohli acknowledged that he has undergone a transformation, moving away from his previous fiery on-field celebrations. During this period, he received a deluge of advice and suggestions, with people pointing out perceived flaws in his game.
“The last two and a half years have taught me a lot,” Kohli expressed. “Those angry celebrations are a thing of the past. I have had many suggestions, lots of advice has come my way; people were telling me I was doing this wrong, that wrong,” he stated in an interview with ICC.
Furthermore, Kohli shared that his poor form was primarily linked to his mental state rather than any technical deficiencies in his technique. He meticulously analyzed videos from his peak performance phase, observing that his initial movements and approach to the ball remained consistent. The crux of his struggle was an internal battle that he couldn’t easily convey to others.
“I picked out all the videos from the best time I had, same initial movement, same approach towards the ball and it was just what was happening inside my head, I wasn’t able to explain it to anyone.”
As Virat Kohli prepares to participate in the ODI World Cup, his journey from adversity to resurgence stands as an inspiring narrative. His story encapsulates the resilience, introspection, and dedication required to succeed at the highest level of the sport. With Kohli in prime form and equipped with valuable lessons from his challenging period, India can anticipate a formidable performance in their quest for ODI World Cup glory on home turf.