Virat Kohli’s Words Reveal the Fire Still Burning Within
“Playing a World Cup for India is amazing.”
“Why would I leave my home, get my stuff over, and be like, ‘I don’t know what I want’?”
“If I’m made to feel like I need to prove my worth and my value, I’m not in that space.”
“I work as hard, if not harder, than anyone else.”
“I prepare for the fact that I will field 50 overs, every ball like it’s the last ball I’m going to play in my career.”
“Either tell me on day one I’m not good enough or I’m not needed.”
“If you’ve said I’m good enough… then be quiet.”
“People say we believe in your abilities, and then a week later they start questioning the way you operate.”
“No one can guarantee performance in any space.”
Each of the above are quotes from the Virat Kohli interview on the RCB podcast. Three things stand out for me in these statements.
First and foremost is the hunger. For any sportsperson, it is about hunger. For someone who has achieved everything there is to achieve, it is even more so. That’s where Virat stands out and will always be a role model for many thousands of aspiring cricketers who will pick up the bat in future.
Among the many qualities aspiring youngsters can emulate in Virat, hunger is perhaps the key. It was his ninth hundred in the IPL a couple of days ago and he still isn’t done yet. And with him in the changing room leading by example, the RCB players know whom to follow and whom to model themselves on.
The second is self-awareness. He wants to be there only if he is welcome. He doesn’t need to prove a point and doesn’t want to force himself on anyone. But he is clear that if he is picked, it has to be his way and he can’t be pushed. That’s not good for him or the team, and you need to read between the lines to understand what he is trying to imply. Maybe things weren’t really good in Australia in 2024-25, and maybe that’s why he left Test cricket. Whether or not he left unwillingly is for people to interpret.
Third, and finally, he is clear that he wants to play the 2027 World Cup. For the first time, he has made it absolutely clear what he wants to do and how committed he is. The World Cup is the pinnacle of the sport and Virat continues to be every bit as passionate about being there for India and making a difference.
For someone like him, he does need to be given space. And after this interview, there can’t be an iota of doubt about what he wants. In fact, it is now on the selection committee and the head coach to take the next step and communicate with Virat. For the sake of Indian cricket, it is a dire need. Between the lines, there is disappointment and frustration, perhaps even a feeling of being let down.
Ahead of a key World Cup, which could be his last, India can’t afford any kind of misunderstanding to persist. That’s why Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar need to speak to him and ensure they are all on the same page for the sake of Indian cricket.
So while he says he feels blessed and all, for millions of us, the interview has left us disturbed and also wondering how things will shape up from here on.
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