Virat Kohli scored his second ODI century of the year.
Virat Kohli delivered another masterclass in Ranchi, proving once again why he remains one of ODI cricket’s greatest players. Ahead of the first ODI against South Africa, Kohli reached the venue earlier than the rest of the squad, determined to understand the conditions and fine-tune his game. That extra effort paid off in the form of a brilliant 135, steering India to a 17-run victory.
Virat Kohli’s 120% Mindset Fuels His ODI Preparation
Despite playing more than 300 ODIs and 17 years of international cricket, Kohli still prepares like a newcomer eager to make an impact. His philosophy is simple—arrive early, prepare intensely, and give 120% every single time.
Kohli revealed his detailed routine, which included batting sessions both in daylight and under lights. Since he now plays only one format for India, he uses every opportunity to reconnect with match conditions and sharpen his instincts.
He balanced this rigorous training with a rest day to manage his workload at age 37. “I also need to look after recovery,” he said, reflecting on the physical demands of elite cricket.
Visualisation: Kohli’s Secret Weapon
Kohli credited much of his success to mental preparation. He said his strongest tool remains visualisation, a practice he uses before every match.
He imagines scenarios, bowlers, field placements and his own intensity levels long before he steps onto the field. “As long as I see myself being sharp and taking the bowlers on, I know I’m in a good space,” he explained.
This mindset helped him settle early in Ranchi. Kohli approached the innings with clarity—watch the ball, trust his instincts, and enjoy the game that made him fall in love with cricket.
A Classic Virat Kohli Hundred Sets Up India’s Win
Walking in during the fourth over after Yashasvi Jaiswal’s dismissal, Kohli built his innings intelligently. He reached his fifty off 48 balls and then brought up his 52nd ODI hundred in 102 deliveries.
His final score—135 off 120 balls—included seven sixes, only the fifth time in his ODI career he struck more than five in an innings.
The century was his second of the year, following his unbeaten 100 against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy.
Supported by captain KL Rahul, Kohli guided India to a formidable 349 in front of an electric Ranchi crowd.
Experience, Fitness and Longevity
Kohli also spoke about maintaining form after playing 15–16 years of international cricket. He said he doesn’t chase practice sessions endlessly but focuses on staying physically and mentally ready.
He measures his readiness through simple indicators—reflexes in the nets, the ability to bat long, and mental sharpness.
“If you can bat two hours in the nets without a break, you're meeting the markers,” he said. For Kohli, cricket has always been more mental than physical.
His training philosophy is now built around overall well-being. “Fitness is just the way I live,” he said, emphasising that his discipline off the field translates directly to his performance on it.
Enjoyment Above All
Despite his unmatched ODI numbers, Kohli insists that joy remains at the core of his game. He said he stayed in a “space of enjoyment” during the innings, responding only to the ball and not overthinking the situation.
“When you get a start, your experience kicks in,” he added. And in Ranchi, that experience once again made the difference.
