Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin believes that Virat Kohli has taken his game to another level by training away from the team setup and distancing himself from outside distractions. Kohli showcased the results of this focused preparation with a brilliant match-winning century in the first ODI against South Africa at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi on November 30.
Since shifting his base to the United Kingdom, Kohli has mostly been preparing on his own for international commitments. He trained in England during his seven-month break before returning for the Australia tour, and he followed the same routine before the South Africa ODI series, flying to London after India’s loss Down Under.
Although Virat Kohli did practice in the Ranchi nets ahead of the opener, Ashwin highlighted that the bulk of his preparation happened in England, and the impact of that hard work was clearly visible in his batting during the first ODI.
“I feel that he is practicing away from the noise, and is not travelling with the Indian team, because of that, wherever he is preparing, he is getting some good practice. I don’t have 100 percent proof of it, but from what I have seen, he has worked on his hip flexors,” R Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
“His Intent And Happiness Were Incredible To Watch”- Ashwin on Kohli’s 135
Ravichandran Ashwin noted the hunger and happiness Kohli played with while scoring 135 off 120 balls, helping India reach a total of 349/8 despite being put in to bat.
“What stood out was Virat Kohli’s intent. We all know what kind of player Virat is, and he has nothing left to prove to anyone. The intent he showed, and the happiness he had on his face, that was amazing to watch.”
“After a point, when there is nothing left to prove, it is all about the joy of the game. I also love that Virat emphasized that he played with complete joy, and that is the most important thing. Virat Kohli looked like he was in the zone,” Ashwin added.
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