In a rare and insightful revelation, veteran Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane has peeled back the curtain on what truly makes Virat Kohli a generational talent. Drawing from years of sharing the dressing room and playing under his captaincy, Rahane provided a close-up look at the attributes that extend far beyond Kohli's visible passion and insatiable appetite for runs.
The Misunderstood Attitude: More Than Just Passion
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Rahane emphasized that while Kohli's intensity is widely discussed, his core differentiator is often misread. "However much we talk about Virat Kohli is never enough," Rahane stated. He pointed out that the standout feature for him is Kohli's fundamental attitude—an attitude of perpetual learning and an unwavering refusal to surrender.
Rahane directly addressed a common public perception, noting, "People outside think Virat is arrogant, but he is not. He gets into the zone." This crucial distinction, according to Rahane, is the bedrock of Kohli's mental preparation and subsequent on-field performances.
The Pre-Match Ritual: Silence is Golden
Rahane shed light on a specific behaviour that has frequently been misinterpreted by outsiders and initially puzzled teammates alike. In the days leading up to a match, Kohli intentionally withdraws, minimizing conversations even with his fellow players.
"I saw him two days before the game. He'll hardly talk with people, even with the teammates," Rahane explained. "That's what actually gets him into the zone." This focused isolation, often accompanied by his AirPods as he listens to music or motivational content, is a deliberate strategy to achieve peak concentration, not a sign of ego or aloofness.
Rahane admitted this unique approach took time for others to understand. "Initially it took all the players a little bit of time. Why is he doing that? But then I got to know that he's actually getting into the zone," he added, highlighting how Kohli's methods are deeply personal and result-oriented.
A Relentless Drive to Improve and Contribute
Beyond his meticulous preparation, Rahane reserved high praise for Kohli's indefatigable work ethic and his constant quest for evolution, even after scaling every conceivable peak in international cricket.
"His attitude is amazing. His work ethics are amazing," Rahane asserted. He marveled at Kohli's relentless pursuit of growth, stating, "Every time you see him, you see something different. He always wants to change. He always wants to improve and always wants to contribute for the team."
These reflections from a trusted teammate come at a moment when Kohli continues to cement his legendary status. Recently, during the first ODI against New Zealand, a match-winning knock of 93 runs propelled him past Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara. Kohli is now the second-highest run-scorer across all international formats, with 28,068 runs since his India debut in 2008. The only cricketer ahead of him on the all-time list is the iconic Sachin Tendulkar.
Rahane's candid account ultimately paints a picture of an athlete whose greatness is fuelled not by arrogance, but by a profound, disciplined, and often solitary commitment to excellence and team success.
