DEHLI (Web Desk)-Virat Kohli, now 37, continues to be one of the most influential figures in world cricket, even as his role in the Indian team has evolved. The veteran batter, widely followed by fans across India and beyond, recently spoke about his outlook on performance, selection, and motivation in a podcast released by his IPL franchise, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Kohli emphasized that his presence in any team environment depends not only on selection but also on mutual trust and clarity of role. He explained that he feels most effective when the environment values his contribution naturally, rather than placing him under constant pressure to justify his place. In his words, if he is able to “add value to the environment,” and that environment recognizes it, then he feels secure in his role. However, he also noted that if he is put in a position where he is repeatedly required to “prove worth and value,” it becomes mentally difficult for him to operate with freedom.
The former India captain currently represents India only in the 50-over format after stepping away from other international formats in recent years. Despite the narrowing of his international commitments, he remains among the most accomplished batters in cricket history, sitting second on the all-time list of international run scorers.
His international career has also seen administrative changes. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently downgraded his central contract from the top tier, a move that reflects shifting selection priorities and long-term planning within Indian cricket. Even so, Kohli has reiterated that his motivation to continue playing remains intact, especially with major tournaments still ahead. He stated his desire to continue representing India and highlighted the appeal of participating in a future World Cup as a major driving force.
In the Indian Premier League, Kohli recently reminded critics of his enduring quality. After suffering back-to-back dismissals without scoring, he responded strongly by producing an unbeaten century, his 105 not out, leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a key victory in a tightly contested season. The innings marked his ninth IPL century overall, though it was his first of the current campaign, reinforcing his ability to recover form under pressure.
Kohli had earlier stepped away from Test cricket in 2025 after a prolonged phase of inconsistent returns in the format. He had already retired from T20 internationals following India’s World Cup triumph in 2024, narrowing his international focus further to ODI cricket.
Despite changes in format participation and contractual status, Kohli continues to remain a central figure in discussions about Indian cricket’s present and future, balancing experience, performance expectations, and evolving team dynamics.
