Virat Kohli delivered a powerful and emphatic response to any lingering doubts about his form and physical conditioning with a masterful century in India's opening One Day International against South Africa. The veteran batsman, who now focuses solely on the ODI format, looked in complete control during his innings of 135 runs in Ranchi, smashing 11 boundaries and clearing the ropes seven times.
Dale Steyn's Revelation: The London Connection
Former South African speedster Dale Steyn, commentating on the match, shared a fascinating insight into how Kohli maintains his world-class fitness. Steyn revealed he had a chance encounter with Kohli the night before the game and asked him about his current routine. "I actually met him last night at dinner," Steyn said on Star Sports. "I asked him, 'What do you do now that you play only one format?' and he told me, 'I live in London now.'"
Steyn elaborated that Kohli utilizes top-tier facilities at Lord's and Surrey in London, following a rigorous training program under the guidance of a personal trainer. This dedicated approach ensures he is perpetually in peak physical condition. "He is always prepared, always in elite physical condition, and mentally he is incredibly strong," Steyn praised, highlighting the batsman's unwavering professionalism and command over his preparation.
Kohli's Philosophy: Mental Game Over Excessive Practice
Following his match-winning knock, Virat Kohli himself addressed the ongoing discussion about his participation in domestic cricket, a topic often pushed by the BCCI. The former Indian captain presented a clear and firm perspective on his preparation methodology. He stated that he has never believed in over-preparing and that his strength has always been mental.
"I’ve never relied on too much preparation," Kohli asserted in the post-match presentation. "My game has always been more mental. I train very hard physically, and as long as my fitness stays at the level I want, I just visualise batting well. That’s enough for me." This statement underscores his belief in maintaining supreme fitness while relying on visualization and mental rehearsal to succeed on the field.
A Testament to Lasting Excellence
The combination of Kohli's authoritative century and his clear explanation of his process served as a potent reminder of his stature in Indian cricket. The innings silenced critics questioning his post-format-reduction drive, while Steyn's revelation provided context to the meticulous work happening behind the scenes. Kohli's performance was not just about runs; it was a statement of intent, proving that his professionalism and self-knowledge keep him among the team's most reliable match-winners as major tournaments loom.
This episode highlights the evolution of a modern cricket great: leveraging global facilities, focusing on specific fitness goals, and trusting a hardened mental framework to deliver when it matters most. For Indian fans and the team management, Kohli's Ranchi masterclass is a reassuring sign of his enduring class and readiness for the challenges ahead.
