Virat Kohli recently opened up about one of the most challenging phases of his career, comparing his struggles during India’s latest tour of Australia to the difficult experience he faced in England back in 2014. Despite starting the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on a high note with a century in Perth, he struggled throughout the rest of the series, falling victim to deliveries outside the off-stump. His repeated dismissals in the slips or by the wicketkeeper left him frustrated, as he managed only 190 runs in nine innings, averaging 23.75.
At the RCB Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit in Bengaluru, Kohli spoke about how this recent disappointment impacted him. “If you ask me about the most intense disappointment I have felt, the latest Australia tour is the freshest in my mind,” he admitted. While the 2014 England tour had once haunted him the most, he now sees things differently. “In 2014, I knew I had another opportunity in 2018 to set things right. But there’s no certainty in life. Who knows if I’ll even get another Australia tour in four years?”
Struggles with Expectations and Mental Challenges
Kohli acknowledged that when a player performs consistently over a long period, people start expecting greatness from them all the time. “Sometimes, people feel for you more than you feel for yourself,” he remarked, emphasizing the need to keep emotions in check.
He also spoke about the mental burden of not performing well and how it led to desperation in Australia. “When you start absorbing the disappointment around you, it becomes heavier. You start thinking, ‘I have just a few innings left, I need to make an impact now.’ That desperation creeps in,” he explained.
After scoring a hundred in the first Test, Kohli expected to have a strong series, but things didn’t go as planned. “It’s about accepting reality and being honest with myself. Instead of making impulsive decisions, I took a step back, spent time with my family, and let my emotions settle. Within a few days, I felt motivated to hit the gym again, and I realized everything was fine. I didn’t need to react immediately or post something on social media,” he said.
Finding Perspective with Rahul Dravid
Despite the setbacks, Kohli reaffirmed that his love for the game remains strong. “As long as my passion for cricket is intact, I will continue playing,” he stated. A recent conversation with former India captain and coach Rahul Dravid gave him clarity on dealing with career transitions.
“Rahul Dravid once told me that you always have to stay in touch with yourself and understand where you stand in life. The answer isn’t always straightforward. A lean phase might make you feel like it’s time to quit, but that may not be true,” Kohli shared. Dravid also warned that a competitive mindset often makes it difficult to accept when it’s truly time to step away.
Reflecting on this, Kohli said, “I have to find a balance and trust that clarity will come at the right moment. Right now, I’m happy, I still love playing, and no—I’m not making any announcements yet!”
The Journey Continues
Kohli’s reflections highlight the intense mental challenges even the greatest players face. While setbacks are inevitable, his approach to handling failure, seeking clarity, and staying true to his love for cricket showcase the mindset of a champion. His words serve as a reminder that success is not just about achievements, but about passion, self-awareness, and resilience.
