South Africa , Dec 01 ; Virat Kohli, alongside Rohit Sharma, is gearing up for the 2027 ODI World Cup, set to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. With both players turning 39 and 40 by the tournament, maintaining match fitness and form has become a key concern, especially since they have retired from T20I and Test cricket.
Reports suggest that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has urged Kohli and Rohit to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy to gain crucial match practice ahead of the quadrennial event, given India’s limited ODI schedule leading up to the World Cup.
After a stellar performance in the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi, where Kohli scored a record-breaking 135 his 52nd ODI century he spoke candidly about his preparation approach.
“I just wanted to play the ball and enjoy the game of cricket. It was about enjoying, and when you get a start, then the experience kicks in, and you’re able to build an innings. I’ve never been a believer in a lot of prep. All my cricket has been mental. I work physically very hard, as long as my fitness levels are up, and then you visualise batting and feeling well, it’s good,” Kohli said during the post-match presentation.
On his preparation for the Ranchi game, Kohli added, “I wanted to get hold of conditions. I visualise the game a lot; if I see myself being intense and sharp, I know I can relax and play out there. I’ve played 300-odd ODIs, and if you bat for an hour or two in the nets, you know you’re good. It’s about being mentally ready and enjoying the game.”
Kohli’s statement highlights his reliance on experience, mental conditioning, and fitness over extended practice sessions, reaffirming his approach to staying competitive as he eyes the 2027 ODI World Cup.