Otherwise, ‘people will eat you up’: Virat Kohli gives a glimpse of his mindset

In that 2021 interview with Sky Sports, Virat Kohli said: “When I step onto the field I have to believe I am the best. My mindset was clear from the first time I started playing this game. I am not going to allow anyone to think I’m just a pushover on the field. It’s not to disrespect anyone, it’s belief in my own abilities,” Kohli said.

Social media users could not help but applaud his on-field attitude with some users commenting: “I need this attitude!” and “What a confidence”.

In the same interview Kohli also said something that speaks further about his mindset: “Fine, you have the ball in hand but if you get it wrong you know you are going to for runs. I am going to stand here all day. If you get me out and bowl a great spell, hats off to you. But the next time I am going to be here again so make sure you bring your A-game. That’s the mindset I try to get into. At this level, if you show any vulnerability, people will eat you up,” he said.

Kohli’s on-field attitude despite playing 500 international games for India also came in praise from West Indian greats. Former West Indies pacer Ian Bishop particularly praised Virat Kohli’s commitment to save his wicket during India’s first innings of the second Test against West Indies at Queen’s Park Oval.

During the 72nd over of India’s innings on Thursday, Kohl was returning for the second run and suddenly realised he was at risk of being dismissed. So he made a fully-stretched dive to ensure he completed the run just in time.Bishop said during the commentary on Day 1 of the second Test said that “here is a guy who has been around for 500 international games and in a Test match, knows the value of every run”. Bishop expressed the desire to see such commitment to the game from young West Indies cricketers. “Putting his body on the line and diving to make sure he’s in. That tells you how badly he wants whatever he gets out of this innings,” Bishop said.