When a cricketing legend like AB de Villiers speaks, the world listens—especially when he’s talking about someone as iconic as Virat Kohli. Recently, the former South African skipper shared some golden advice for Kohli, who had a forgettable series against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Kohli, known for his aggressive batting and fiery presence, managed just 190 runs across nine innings. Despite a century in the opening Test in Perth, the rest of the series was a struggle. The main issue? Chasing deliveries outside the off-stump.
All eight of his dismissals came in that dreaded channel, and it wasn’t just the Aussie pacers exploiting it—it was also Kohli’s mindset.
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The Battle Beyond the Bat
De Villiers, who knows a thing or two about thriving under pressure, believes Kohli’s struggles are not just technical. He pointed out that Kohli’s over-involvement in the game, both with the opposition and the crowd, may be impacting his focus.
“Virat loves the fight,” de Villiers explained. “But when you’re not in the form of your life, it’s best to get rid of those distractions. Sometimes the crowd gets under his skin, and he starts having personal battles with players.”
This isn’t new for Kohli. His passion and aggression have always been his trademarks, but as de Villiers wisely noted, those same qualities can occasionally work against him.
Reset. Refocus. Repeat.
So, what’s the solution? De Villiers emphasized the importance of resetting after every delivery. It’s about treating each ball as a new event, forgetting the bowler, and focusing on the moment.
“It takes a lot of character, hunger, and hours in the nets,” said de Villiers. “But the key is to reset your mind every time. Forget about the bowler. Forget about the crowd. Just focus on the ball.”
He added that Kohli’s greatness, skill, and experience are beyond doubt. It’s his fighting spirit—usually a strength—that sometimes becomes a distraction.
Virat Kohli: The Fighter at Heart
One of the things fans love most about Kohli is his fighting spirit. He wears his heart on his sleeve and thrives in battles on the field. But as de Villiers rightly pointed out, even the fiercest warrior needs to pick his battles.
“When you’re out of form, it’s about simplifying the game,” de Villiers explained. “Virat wants to show the whole of India he’s there to fight for them. But sometimes, that fighting nature makes him forget the basics.”
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There’s no doubt Kohli will take this advice to heart. If anyone can bounce back from a rough patch, it’s him. His hunger for success, combined with his immense skill, makes him one of the most formidable batters in the world.
But as de Villiers said, it’s not about reinventing the wheel. Kohli doesn’t need to change who he is—he just needs to refine his approach. A little more focus, a little less involvement with the crowd, and we’ll likely see him back to his best in no time.
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