Kohli Reflects on Prolonged Lean Patch: Admits to Being in Denial about Vulnerability and Feeling Frustrated

Virat Kohli, the Indian cricketer, recently spoke candidly about his past struggles with form and the impact it had on him both on and off the field. In a recent interview with teammate Suryakumar Yadav, Kohli admitted to being in “complete denial” about his vulnerabilities and frustrations during his poor run of form. This led to him being “cranky” and “snappy” with his family and friends. Kohli went on to explain that this was not fair to those around him and that he had to take responsibility and put things in perspective.

Kohli emphasized the need to step away from his primary passion in order to rekindle it and feel hungry once again. He acknowledged that his attachments and desire for success had taken over and that he had to be true to himself, even when he was vulnerable and not playing well. Kohli also offered words of advice to Suryakumar, who is currently in the form of his life in T20Is, about the weight of expectations that he has carried for more than a decade now.

Kohli acknowledged that the downside of being a professional athlete is only realized when form deserts a player, and that when his cricket was not going well, frustration started creeping in. He also mentioned that he would like to build on his good form, having started the new year with a century, as it is a World Cup year and there is a big Test series coming against Australia.

The Indian cricketer stressed the importance of getting away and coming back refreshed, an approach that has helped him get rejuvenated. He acknowledged that sometimes one’s mindset goes up and down when playing so much, but keeping that mental freshness is key. Kohli had an extended lean patch for a few years and took a month off from the game last year before returning to score his first hundred in 1020 days in September against Afghanistan in T20 Asia Cup.

In conclusion, Virat Kohli shared his personal experience and struggles with form, and the impact it had on him both on and off the field. He also gave advice to his colleague on how to handle the weight of expectations and how to keep mental freshness while playing. He also highlighted the importance of stepping away and coming back refreshed to rekindle the passion for the game.