The veteran player from India has shared insights into the areas of his game he’s been refining and his activities during his recent hiatus from cricket. India’s standout performer, Virat Kohli, acknowledges the necessity of adapting his game to match the dynamic nature of T20 cricket.
Kohli elaborated on the nuances of his batting prowess following a standout performance for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). This discussion comes just months ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup set to take place in the USA and Caribbean.
Displaying impressive form, Kohli amassed a brisk 77 runs opening the innings for Royal Challengers Bangalore at M Chinnaswamy Stadium. His innings featured 11 boundaries and two towering sixes against a formidable Punjab Kings bowling attack comprising the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Sam Curran, and his Indian teammate Arshdeep Singh. Particularly noteworthy was Kohli’s adeptness in utilizing footwork and lofting deliveries over cover, a tactic he admits to honing in recent times.
“Well, adjustments are imperative,” remarked Kohli post-match.
“My proficiency in the cover drive is well-known, so opponents are unlikely to afford me gaps. With bowlers like KG (Rabada) and Arshdeep, who possesses height, when they hit a good length, it’s essential to generate momentum in the ball.
“And by getting closer to the ball, you minimize the bounce you’d encounter. It’s about meeting the ball early.” Kohli concluded as the leading run-scorer of the recent T20 World Cup in Australia with 296 runs from six innings. He remains a pivotal figure in India’s squad for the upcoming tournament, eyeing his sixth appearance at the premier 20-over event.
Ahead of the tournament kick-off on June 1, India must finalize a 15-player squad, and Kohli is committed to continual improvement to excel in the shortest format.
“You need to devise strategies and continually enhance your game,” Kohli emphasized.
“I understand that my name is often synonymous with promoting T20 cricket worldwide. But, I still have what it takes, I suppose.” Kohli returned to action in the IPL after a hiatus, having skipped India’s home Test series against England to spend time with family and welcome his second child with wife Anushka.
During his break from the rigors of professional cricket in India, Kohli relished anonymity and family time abroad.
“We were out of the country, in a place where we weren’t recognized. It was simply family time, experiencing normalcy for two months,” Kohli shared.
“For me, for us as a family, it was an extraordinary experience. With two kids, life changes completely from a family perspective. Spending time with my family and forging deeper connections with my elder child was priceless.
“I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to spend quality time with my family.
“And yes, the change was stark when we returned. The voices back home felt louder. I couldn’t help but notice the stark contrast after two months of not being called by my name. Suddenly, I was back in the thick of things.
“But it was beautiful. Being just another person on the street, unrecognized, and living life as everyone else does on a daily basis—it’s a remarkable experience.
