Virat Kohli’s discipline, match awareness sets his apart from the rest: Ravi Shastri
Former cricketer Ravi Shastri praised Virat Kohli for his remarkable consistency, attributing it to his discipline and game awareness. The 36-year-old Kohli has been instrumental in India’s success at the 2025 Champions Trophy, having scored 271 runs in four matches at an average of 72.33.
India vs New Zealand, Champions Trophy Final Updates
After an unbeaten 100 against Pakistan in the group stage, Kohli followed up with an important 84 in the semi-final against Australia, helping India reach the final. In the latest episode of the ICC Review, Shastri discussed how Kohli had once struggled by trying to outdo himself but has since found greater stability in his game.
“His discipline, his awareness of match situations (are what sets him apart). I thought he tried to get ahead of himself in the last three or four years, where he was trying to outdo what he’s good at and sometimes, it can catch up on you,” Shastri said.
Champions Trophy: Full Coverage
“But he’s back to what he does best, which is take the singles, hit the ball along the ground, if necessary, go for the big one. Some of the greatest players who played the one-day game, especially in the chase, are guys who can do that,” Shastri said.
Shastri mentioned that having a batter of Shreyas Iyer’s calibre has been beneficial for Kohli, allowing him to rotate the strike effectively.
“When you pick up singles with ease, there’s no pressure. And then when you have another guy at the other end, someone like Shreyas (Iyer) who comes and smacks it, it takes the pressure off, it becomes still easier,” Shastri added.
In his ninth appearance in an ICC final, Kohli will be aiming to play another crucial knock when India faces New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. India remains unbeaten in the Champions Trophy, having won all four of their matches.
Tune In
