A reinvigorated and fiercely determined Virat Kohli has returned to the crease, and according to veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, the batting maestro has internalized every speculation about his career to fuel a stunning resurgence. Kohli's emphatic back-to-back centuries against South Africa and his passionate celebrations have become the talk of the town, which Ashwin believes are a direct response to the whispers surrounding his future in the game.
The Mindset Behind the Celebration
Speaking candidly on his popular YouTube show 'Ash Ki Baat', Ashwin delved into the psychology of the modern great. He pointed to Kohli's recent agreement to play in the domestic Vijay Hazare Trophy—a rare step for a player of his stature—as a clear sign that the chatter about him potentially becoming a one-format player had struck a chord. "Why is Virat celebrating like that? What is he thinking, what has he gone through?" Ashwin pondered. He emphasized that Kohli's love for Test cricket made his retirement a significant decision, hinting that the intense scrutiny following his form dip has now triggered a phase of powerful self-assertion.
"Now he has agreed to play Vijay Hazare, so communication is happening. In many ways, he must have thought — are they doubting me?" Ashwin stated. "He is a very competitive person… he must have taken it to heart. Maybe he is telling you now: ‘You doubted me? Now I've shown what I can do.'"
Technical Renaissance and Vizag Fortress
Ashwin also provided a technical analysis of Kohli's current form, praising a noticeable improvement in his setup and intent. He highlighted that Kohli's centre of gravity is much lower compared to the last two years, a crucial adjustment for better timing and length judgment. This technical tweak, combined with a calm yet ruthless mindset, has made him look in a "good space."
The numbers overwhelmingly support this observation. In the ongoing series against South Africa, Kohli has blasted 237 runs at an average of 118.50, making him a frontrunner for the Player of the Series award. All eyes are now on the series decider in Visakhapatnam on Saturday, a venue where Kohli boasts a staggering record. He averages 97.83 with three centuries at the ACA-VDCA Stadium, effectively making it a personal batting fortress he is poised to ignite once again.
What This Means for Indian Cricket
Kohli's dominant return, fueled by a point to prove, is a massive positive for the Indian team as they build towards future challenges. His willingness to engage with domestic cricket also sets a powerful precedent for commitment and passion. Ashwin's insights reveal a champion athlete using external noise as motivation, silencing critics with the sheer weight of runs and a visibly refined technique. The stage in Visakhapatnam is set for another potential Kohli masterclass.
