Long before the cover drives flow and the crowd rises, Virat Kohli has already done the hard work that rarely makes headlines. Former India head coach Ravi Shastri recently offered a fresh reminder of why Virat continues to stand apart from his contemporaries and it had little to do with technique or flair. Instead, Ravi Shastri pointed to the mindset and daily discipline that have shaped Virat Kohli into one of the finest batters of this era.
Speaking during the first ODI between India and New Zealand, Ravi Shastri highlighted how Kohli’s greatness is rooted in an almost obsessive commitment to improvement. According to him, Virat Kohli’s hunger to be better every single day and his readiness to push his body beyond comfort set him in a different category. During their time together with the Indian team, Ravi Shastri observed that Virat’s work ethic consistently surpassed expectations, making him incredibly difficult to compete against.
Ravi Shastri recalled how Virat Kohli’s routine extended far beyond batting practice. Whether it was hours of catching drills in the morning, relentless work in the outfield or sharpening his throwing accuracy, Virat treated every aspect of the game with equal seriousness. These efforts were not occasional bursts of motivation but a fixed part of his daily schedule, repeated regardless of form or fatigue.
This, Shastri suggested, is where Kohli’s aura truly comes from. It is not just built on memorable chases or elegant strokeplay but on repetition and effort that have become non-negotiable. For younger players watching, the message is clear. Talent may open doors but it is discipline and routine which keep them open.
Virat Kohli once again showed the results of that process in Vadodara, where he was named the Player of the Match after guiding India to a successful chase of a challenging 301-run target. The runs were celebrated but the real story lay in the unseen work behind them.
