Virat Kohli Reiterates Importance Of Recovery After Match-Winning Knock: ‘I Am 37 So…’

Last Updated:December 01, 2025, 06:00 IST

Virat Kohli discusses his game visualisation, recovery at 37 and the joy of cricket after his 52nd ODI century against South Africa in Ranchi.

Ace India batter Virat Kohli has said that he visualises the game a lot and that helps him play at his best, adding that at his age, recovery becomes paramount to be able to perform at his peak. Kohli turned 37 earlier this month and is at the fag end of his career.

The value of Kohli‘s 52nd ODI hundred became even clearer during South Africa’s chase, which disintegrated at the start under sustained Indian pressure.

For this series, Kohli reached Ranchi two days ahead of the team and squeezed in a few training sessions before the rest of the side arrived.

“I wanted to get hold of the conditions in Ranchi. I visualise the game a lot. When I think about the game, if I see myself being intense and sharp, I know I can relax and play out there,” Kohli said while speaking at the post-match presentation.

“I am 37, so I also need to take care of my body,” the ace Indian batter added.

At this stage of his career, what matters most for Kohli is holding on to the pure joy of the game and reconnecting with the reasons he first picked up a bat.

“Today was really nice to get into the game like that. Pitch played decently for 20-25 overs before slowing down. I just wanted to play the ball and enjoy the game of cricket,” Kohli said.

“It was about being in a space of enjoyment. And when you get a start, then the experience kicks in and you can build an innings,” Kohli added.

Earlier, Kohli’s dominant 135 off 120 deliveries, laced with 11 boundaries and seven sixes, combined with Rohit Sharma’s fluent 57 off 51 to power a 136-run second-wicket partnership that laid the foundation for India’s big total on a true JSCA pitch.

With Kohli no longer part of T20Is and no ODIs scheduled for India after the New Zealand series in January, every outing in the format now comes with significance.

First Published:

December 01, 2025, 06:00 IST

News cricket Virat Kohli Reiterates Importance Of Recovery After Match-Winning Knock: ‘I Am 37 So…’

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