Virat Kohli recently spoke about the mental strain of leading both the Indian cricket team and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), admitting that the constant pressure became too much to handle. Kohli revealed on RCB’s Bold Diaries podcast that the expectations on him as a batsman were relentless, whether he was leading the team or not. After captaining India for 7-8 years and RCB for nine, Kohli decided to step back from leadership roles following the 2021 T20 World Cup. He first resigned as India’s T20 captain and later gave up the captaincy for RCB. In early 2022, after a series loss to South Africa, he also stepped down as India’s Test captain.
Feeling overwhelmed by the spotlight, Kohli took a month-long break and refrained from picking up the bat. He realized that he needed to be happy in order to continue playing cricket without constantly feeling judged. Looking back on his career, Kohli credited MS Dhoni and Gary Kirsten for supporting him to bat at No. 3 and encouraging him to play his natural game. Despite feeling like he wasn’t as skilled as others, Kohli’s determination and energy were valued by his mentors.
Kohli emphasized the importance of nervous energy in driving performance, stating that the feeling of nervousness is a sign that one is still motivated to succeed. He acknowledged that scoring runs doesn’t make the pressure disappear and that maintaining that edge is crucial for continued success in cricket. Kohli’s decision to prioritize his mental well-being and happiness has allowed him to approach the game with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. Follow Franchise Cricket for more IPL news.
