Virat Kohli urges the next generation to chase greatness for instant IPL glory

India’s star batsman Virat Kohli has warned young cricketers against getting too comfortable with the money and fame that the IPL brings, saying that long-term success in the sport requires much more commitment and hunger.

Speaking at the third annual RCB Innovation Lab India Sports Summit, Kohli said the rise of franchise cricket has changed the mindset of many young players as instant recognition and financial security come much earlier than before.

“It’s the drive. A lot of people these days associate drive with money,” Kohli said.

“Yes, it’s a big factor because when a format that gives you hype and recognition, the glory of scoring 40-50 off 20 balls and the kind of money people can make in the IPL these days, it can put you in a very comfortable space.”

Kohli said the young players now face an important choice in their careers – whether to remain content with success in the short format or try to build long careers across formats.

“They can say, you know what, that’s great. I don’t need to handle the pressure for too long. I can just go there and smash the ball,” Kohli said.

“Or you can say, I want to play for 15-20 years. I want to get recognition and respect from the cricket world, my own heroes and I want to fulfill this opportunity.”

Former Indian captain who celebrated success in all three formats for more than a decade, he said that staying at the top requires discipline and a willingness to handle difficult phases.

“That’s a very different zone. You have to be very driven to say, I’m committing to this for the next 10-15 years and it’s going to be very, very difficult, but I’m all for it,” he added.

Kohli also praised the fearless approach of modern batsmen and admitted that the current generation is much more advanced in power-ups than the players of his era.

“These guys are much more advanced in terms of power hitting and explosive cricket,” he said.

However, Kohli said that pressure situations and difficult pitches continue to test a batsman’s all-round ability, especially in the latter stages of tournaments.

“The reality is that even in the IPL, let’s wait till the sixth week,” Kohli said.

“When you’re going to chase 175 or 180 on a difficult course, when you’re two or three down, how do you do it?”

According to Kohli, adaptability remains one of the most important qualities of a batsman, especially when conditions do not allow for attacking cricket.

“To switch the bat as the situation calls for, you should have the ability to play seven, eight different ways and not just one,” he said.

“If the pitch doesn’t allow me to hit boundaries, I should be able to lead my team to victory.”

Kohli also emphasized the importance of technique, conditioning and preparation in helping batsmen adapt to different match situations.

“For me, it’s about breaking down the game and understanding how to proceed in a given situation,” he said.

“I have to physically prepare for it in a certain way. So it’s a decision you make mentally to unlock your abilities.”

– The end

Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

19 May 2026 20:48 IST