India great Virat Kohli has never hidden from scrutiny. What he appears unwilling to tolerate anymore is ambiguity.<\/p>\n
Speaking on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru podcast, the former India captain made it clear that if his place or value is in doubt, he would rather hear it directly than navigate what he perceives as shifting signals.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe moment I feel like people are trying to complicate it for me and be like \u2018oh this and that\u2019, either be clear and honest and upfront or be quiet and let me play.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you go to a workplace and people say we believe in your abilities, and a week later they start questioning the way you operate, it\u2019s like why?<\/p>\n
\u201cEither tell me on day one I\u2019m not good enough or I\u2019m not needed. Or if you\u2019ve said I\u2019m good enough and you say we\u2019re not even thinking otherwise, then be quiet.\u201d<\/p>\n
The remarks arrive at a time when Kohli, now 37, occupies a curious phase of his international career. He has stepped away from Tests and T20Is, yet remains central to India\u2019s ODI plans, with the 2027 World Cup in South Africa looming as a realistic target.<\/p>\n
And there is enough evidence to suggest that belief in his continued value is not built on nostalgia alone.<\/p>\n
Kohli remains one of the finest ODI batters the format has produced. Only Sachin Tendulkar has scored more runs in men\u2019s ODIs than Kohli\u2019s 14,797. Across 311 matches, he averages 58.71, a number that becomes even more formidable in chases, where it climbs to 65.78.<\/p>\n
The conditions for the next World Cup may suit him too. In South Africa, where the 2027 tournament will be played, Kohli averages 76.38 from 20 ODIs, thriving historically on surfaces that reward timing and tempo as much as power.<\/p>\n
What also emerged was Kohli\u2019s insistence that preparation, for him, is not event-based. It is lifestyle-based.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo one can guarantee performance in any space. But in terms of effort and commitment, I know what I can deliver because I literally live my life like that.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not like I prepare for a series to suddenly start working hard two or three weeks before. I\u2019m like that through the year. So if you call me to play and if you say there\u2019s a series coming up, I\u2019m ready.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m always ready because that\u2019s my daily life. I work out, we eat well at home. It\u2019s because I like living that way. It\u2019s not only to play cricket. So that\u2019s where I am.\u201d<\/p>\n
Published on May 16, 2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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