Kohli: "If I'm showing up, I’ll give it my all

Kohli: "If I'm showing up, I’ll give it my all

Virat Kohli showcased his exceptional skills during the first ODI against South Africa, scoring his 52nd ODI century, securing a narrow 17-run victory for India.

Even after playing more than 300 ODIs in a career spanning 17 years, Virat Kohli arrived early in Ranchi before the first ODI against South Africa. Despite all his experience, Kohli wanted to check the conditions and get in some batting practice, since he now plays only one format for India. His approach remains the same always giving 120%.

That preparation paid off as he scored his 52nd ODI century, guiding India to a 17-run win in the opening match. After receiving his 44th Player-of-the-Match award in ODIs, Kohli explained that he came early to train in both day and evening sessions. At 37, he also took a rest day to recover properly. He said he relies heavily on mental preparation, visualising the game and ensuring he feels sharp and intense before stepping onto the field.

Kohli described how he enjoyed the game by focusing only on the ball and not overthinking. He said the pitch was good for the first 20–25 overs before slowing down, and once he got a start, his years of experience helped him build a big innings.

Batting in the fourth over after Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed, Kohli joined Rohit Sharma and reached his fifty in 48 balls. He later brought up his century in 102 balls, batting alongside captain KL Rahul. Kohli eventually scored 135 off 120 balls, hitting seven sixes only the fifth time in his ODI career he has hit more than five in an innings. His knock helped India post 349 in front of a packed Ranchi crowd. It was his second ODI century of the year, the first coming against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy in Dubai.

Reflecting on his career, Kohli said that after playing so many matches, he knows when he is in good touch. If he can bat for long periods in practice without tiring, it shows his reflexes and fitness are intact. He admitted that dips in form happen, but as long as he feels physically fit, mentally ready, and excited to play, everything else falls into place.

Kohli added that he has never believed in too much preparation. For him, cricket is mostly mental. He works hard on his fitness every day, not just for cricket but as a way of life. As long as he feels sharp, enjoys the game, and reacts quickly on the field, he knows he can perform. And when the opportunity comes, he trusts his experience to score runs.