Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli has delivered a powerful statement with his willow, scoring back-to-back centuries in the ongoing ODI series against South Africa. His emphatic celebrations following both tons have sparked conversations, with former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin providing a deep psychological insight into Kohli's mindset, suggesting the star is answering those who doubted his abilities.
Ashwin's Analysis: The Fire Behind the Celebration
On his YouTube channel 'Ash ki Baat', Ravichandran Ashwin delved into the possible reasons behind Kohli's intense, fist-pumping reactions upon reaching his hundreds in Ranchi and Raipur. Ashwin connected it to the significant life changes in Kohli's career, notably his recent retirement from Test cricket and the subsequent discussions around his form and future.
"Message must have gone inside Virat that 'Are you people doubting my ability?'" Ashwin stated. He emphasized that Kohli is an intensely competitive individual, and such thoughts could have motivated him to prove a point. "The thought must have gone inside him that there is a doubt on my ability, my skill. I will now show by doing," Ashwin added.
Ashwin reiterated that Kohli, through these performances, is telling himself, "You doubted me. I did it." He observed that Kohli looks in a good mental space, having had solid practice, which is translating into runs.
Kohli's Record-Breaking Feats Continue
The numbers from Kohli's twin centuries are staggering. His knock of 102 runs in the second ODI at Raipur on December 3, 2025, was his 53rd ODI century. This series marked the 11th time in his illustrious career that he has scored back-to-back hundreds in the 50-over format.
His dominance against South Africa is particularly notable. This was his seventh ODI century against the Proteas, the highest by any batsman in the world. Furthermore, in India, he has now scored four ODI hundreds against South Africa in his last five matches on home soil.
The Raipur century also etched his name alongside Sachin Tendulkar in a unique record. Kohli has now scored an ODI hundred at 34 different venues across the globe, matching Tendulkar's record who also scored his 49 tons at 34 venues.
Kohli's Philosophy: Mental Prep and Enjoyment
After his century in Ranchi, Virat Kohli shed light on his current approach to the game. He emphasized enjoyment and mental visualization over excessive technical preparation.
"I just wanted to play the ball and enjoy the game of cricket," Kohli had said. "All my cricket has been mental. I work physically very hard... and then you visualise batting and feeling well, it's good." This mindset, focusing on being in a good space and letting experience guide him, appears to be paying rich dividends as he continues to pile on runs and silence any lingering skepticism with authoritative centuries.
