After 55 ODI centuries, Virat Kohli takes up the challenge to unlock a new version of himself

Virat Kohli has a new challenge at a stage in his career where most of the biggest milestones are behind him. After reaching his 55th ODI century and surpassing 15,000 runs in the format, the former India skipper wants to push himself further, step up the intensity and discover a version of himself that can play a notch or two higher.

Two months after his last appearance for India, Kohli made an emphatic return to international cricket. The 37-year-old smashed an unbeaten 139 off 88 balls to help India to an eight-wicket victory over West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram. India were bundled out for 296 in just 41.4 overs, with Kohli combining his trademark with a remarkable level of aggression.

IND vs WI, 1st ODI: MAIN

“At this stage of my career, I’m challenged to up the ante and play a gear or two higher and that was exciting for me to work on. Again, it excites you when you have to unlock a new version at this stage of your career that will ultimately help whichever team you play for, whether it’s India or the IPL,” Kohli said after the match.

The shift offered a first look at this new version. Kohli smashed 10 fours and nine sixes – the most he has hit in an ODI innings – to finish with a strike rate of 157.95. It was an attacking display from a batsman whose ODI career has been built on consistency, intensity and the ability to control the chase.

STAY PRESENT

With Tests and T20Is over, ODI cricket is now Kohli’s only format for India. This has given the next phase of his international career a different shape, with the 2027 ODI World Cup already on the horizon.

At 37, Kohli is not looking to simply reproduce the version of himself that produced 55 ODI centuries. He wants to stretch his game while staying physically and mentally ready for the demands of international cricket.

“I think it’s about understanding your game personally, especially at the stage I’m in. It’s about keeping myself very fit physically because the game is more or less in the mind,” Kohli said.

For Kohli, physical fitness is closely linked to his mental attitude. Staying fit allows him to keep a clear head, visualize situations and implement his plans effectively.

“I’ve never been one to practice a lot even though I’ve played all three formats as you know. So for me it’s about staying mentally fresh, staying in the moment and just expressing myself there. I want to play a certain way and get used to that template more often,” Kohli said.

This mindset was evident in Thiruvananthapuram, where Kohli repeatedly launched an attack against the West Indies. His aggressive approach ensured that the Indian chase never lost momentum as the hosts wrapped up the target with 50 balls to spare.

PLAYING WITH FREEDOM OF MIND

The timing of this development is significant as Kohli has said that the 2027 ODI World Cup will be his last World Cup for India.

Kohli has already experienced both ends of the World Cup spectrum. He was part of the Indian team that won the title in 2011 and later suffered a disappointing 2023 final defeat to Australia.

For Kohli, staying physically fit remains the foundation for playing with a free mind.

“It’s really helped me a lot to play with a free mind, and I think that’s what works for me. But I think you need a fit body to follow a free mind. It works the other way around for me. I stay physically fit and then I’m able to visualize the game the way I want to play, which gives me the best chance to go out and execute it on a night the way I did.”

Kohli will now look to carry that momentum into the second ODI on September 30 at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati as India aim to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

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