Sunil Gavaskar Unveils Virat Kohli's Key to Consistency
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has pinpointed the crucial factor behind Virat Kohli's enduring success in international cricket. According to Gavaskar, Kohli's ability to avoid being "tied down to an image" sets him apart from many other players.
Kohli's Masterful Knock in a Losing Cause
Gavaskar made these remarks following India's series-deciding ODI against New Zealand in Indore on Sunday. Despite Kohli's brilliant century, India fell short by 41 runs, allowing New Zealand to clinch the series 2-1.
Kohli scored a sensational 124 runs off just 108 balls. His innings included 10 fours and three sixes. However, New Zealand's strong batting performance, led by centuries from Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips, set a challenging target of 337 runs. India ultimately ran out of steam in their chase.
Gavaskar's Insight on Kohli's Temperament
Speaking on JioHotstar after the match, Gavaskar elaborated on his observation. He emphasized that Kohli's focus remains squarely on the immediate task rather than any preconceived public image.
"The thing about him is that he's not tied down to an image," Gavaskar stated. "A lot of batters, a lot of bowlers are tied down to an image. That this is the way they are perceived, and so they should stick to that. I don't think he is tied down to an image. He's tied down to the job at hand."
Gavaskar explained that this mindset allows Kohli to adapt his gameplay according to the situation. He can start cautiously and then accelerate, or he can attack from the outset and later focus on rotating the strike. This flexibility, Gavaskar believes, is the primary reason for Kohli's remarkable consistency over the years.
The Importance of Adaptability for Young Players
Gavaskar further connected this lack of image constraint to Kohli's temperament. He noted that Kohli does not feel pressured to play flashy shots simply because fans might expect them.
"Apart from his talent, of course, and temperament. And when I said not tied down by image, I talk about the temperament. Temperament not to say, 'Oh, I'm expected to hit the six.' It's not that. He will watch it and do it, and he never gives up," Gavaskar added.
He even analyzed Kohli's dismissal in the match, suggesting that fatigue might have played a role. "Sometimes you know the gloves can get a bit sweaty, and so the grip on the handle would have gone a little bit awry. And that's why, instead of going straight, the bat face turned up and he was caught inside the boundary."
Gavaskar concluded that this lesson is vital for aspiring cricketers. "For me, this is the important thing to learn for any youngster: not to live up to an image, play the situation, and you will be more consistent than ever hoped for."
Praise from Simon Doull
Former New Zealand pacer Simon Doull also heaped praise on Kohli's innings. He highlighted the constant threat Kohli posed to the New Zealand bowlers throughout his stay at the crease.
"New Zealand would have been nervous the whole time that he was there. He was the guy who could take the game away from them, and it looked like he was going to for a long period," Doull said.
Doull was particularly impressed by Kohli's clean hitting and his intelligent running between the wickets. He also commended Kohli's exceptional fitness levels, which defy his age and experience.
"There is just an air of youth about this guy despite his age and his experience. He would still be the fittest in that side, I would imagine. And that is professionalism," Doull remarked. He expressed a wish for Kohli to continue playing at the highest level for many more years.
Despite the series loss, Kohli's century once again demonstrated his class and resilience. Gavaskar's analysis provides a deeper understanding of the mental approach that fuels one of modern cricket's greatest batters.
