You think you know what intense practice looks like? Think again. Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri just dropped a story about Virat Kohli’s preparation that is almost unbelievable, revealing the sheer, raw determination that fuels one of cricket’s biggest stars ahead of the crucial Australia ODI series starting October 19.
Key Takeaways
- Ravi Shastri recalled a 2018 incident where Virat Kohli faced 150-160 km/h throwdowns from just 16 yards on a dangerous pitch.
- Despite Shastri’s concerns, Kohli insisted, showcasing what the coach called a “relentless” and unmatched work ethic.
- Dinesh Karthik revealed Kohli recently trained 2-3 times a week in London during a layoff, targeting the 2027 World Cup.
- Shastri and Harbhajan Singh agree that Kohli’s form in the upcoming Australia series is critical for his future, including the 2027 World Cup.
The 160 km/h Throwdown That Shocked a Coach
So, here’s the scene. It’s 2018, South Africa. Team India is reeling from a poor performance. But Virat Kohli isn’t resting. He’s on a “dodgy pitch” and asks the team’s slinger, Raghu, to bowl at him from just 16 yards. And not just bowl. He wants him to go “flat out” at speeds touching 150-160 km/h.
You might also like
Ramiz Raja Mocks India’s No-Handshake Policy; Aus Cricketers Join In After PAK-SA Test
Aakash Chopra Drops Kuldeep Yadav For AUS ODI; Backs Axar-Sundar Duo In Shock Playing XI
Pat Cummins’ All-Time XI Snubs Kohli & Rohit; Cites ‘Retired Players Only’ Rule
BCCI Ends Rumors: Kohli & Rohit’s ODI Future Secure; Australia Series Is Not Their Last Dance
Gambhir Slams Srikkanth as ‘Shameful’; Defends Harshit Rana After IND vs WI 2nd Test Win
Gambhir Slams Delhi Pitch After 2-0 Win; Calls Conditions ‘Alarming’ for Test Cricket
Gambhir’s Shock Speech to West Indies: ‘World Cricket Needs You’ After Calling Them ‘Inexperienced’
Shastri was worried. He saw the pitch, he saw the risk, and he told his captain to calm down. But Kohli was having none of it. He was relentless. Shastri admitted he had “never seen anyone like that,” someone with such a consistent, high-energy routine day in and day out. It’s this very intensity he’s bringing to his ODI comeback.
Kohli’s 2027 World Cup Mission
But this isn’t just a story from the past. It’s a preview of the future. After retiring from Tests and T20Is, Kohli’s focus is singular: the 2027 ODI World Cup. And he’s already putting in the work. Fellow cricketer Dinesh Karthik recently revealed that during a break, Kohli was in London, hitting the nets for “two to three sessions a week.” This isn’t a player winding down; it’s a player gearing up for one last big prize.
Yeah, he’s not just showing up. He’s preparing with a fire that few can match. This upcoming series against Australia isn’t just another tour. It’s the first major test of that mission.
Expert Analysis: What’s at Stake?
Look, the experts are all saying the same thing. Ravi Shastri made it clear that both Kohli’s and Rohit Sharma’s spots for the 2027 World Cup hinge on three things: fitness, hunger, and form. This Australia series is the proving ground. It’s where we’ll see if that legendary hunger is still burning bright.
Former spinner Harbhajan Singh chimed in too, praising Kohli’s immense mental strength. He believes Australia is Kohli’s preferred batting environment, a place where pressure brings out his absolute best. All eyes will be on Perth come October 19.
So, what do you think? Will this relentless preparation pay off against the Aussies and put Kohli on the path to 2027 glory? The whole world is about to find out.