ODI format tests you completely as a batter: Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli (Source: Twitter)

Virat Kohli has expressed his deep affinity for One Day International cricket, emphasizing how the format rigorously tests a player’s all-around skills. He highlighted the technical challenges, strategic decision-making, and adaptability required throughout the game.

Kohli explained why he feels the 50-over format “tests your game completely”, stating that the attributes required to excel in the format hones a players’ skillset. Kohli also admitted that the format has “always brought the best out of me” as he likes playing situations, something that the format allows him to do.

“I love playing ODI cricket. I think for me, ODI cricket is probably the one format that tests your game completely. Your technique, composure, patience, playing the situation, and playing differently in different phases of the game,” Kohli told Star Sports.

“So, I think it tests you as a batsman completely, and I feel the ODI cricket has always brought the best out of me because I like to embrace that challenge and play according to the situation to help my team win. I have always tried to do that, so yeah, as I said, it gives me an opportunity to test myself regularly, all aspects of my batting, and that’s why I really enjoy playing ODI cricket,” he added.

On the other hand, Mohammad Kaif discussed Virat Kohli’s remarkable performance in recent tournaments, particularly against Pakistan. Kaif praised Kohli’s ability to take charge during chases, noting his substantial impact during the T20 World Cup in Australia.

 “Absolutely, in my opinion, his performance in Australia at the T20 World Cup, against Pakistan, he played magnificently. And Virat Kohli is a brilliant batsman when it comes to playing against Pakistan. He takes full responsibility and is a chase master. The form that he had in that World Cup was because of his performances in the Asia Cup (2022), starting from that century he hit against Afghanistan,” Kaif said.

“He had a dry run before that, but after his performances in the Asia Cup, he did not stop, he won matches, even the match against Pakistan in Australia. Those memories will still linger in the minds of the Pakistani bowlers. They will be wary of Kohli and know what a big wicket he is. They will know that if they get him out, the match becomes a lot easier.

“But the form he is in, the pressure will always be on the bowlers. And the fact that he has played the Pakistani bowlers in their last match at the T20 World Cup, he will know how every Pakistani bowler bowls, whether it is Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, or Haris Rauf. Kohli will know how to play them, he will know what their strengths and weaknesses are. Virat Kohli will be very dangerous against Pakistan,” he concluded.