I visualize the game a lot in my mind - Virat Kohli decodes the secret behind his success in Ranchi

Virat Kohli started the ODI series against South Africa with a phenomenal century as India racked up a thrilling win in Ranchi. Winning the Player of the Match award for his sensational ton, Kohli opened up on the early arrival to Jharkhand and the reason for the same while emphasizing on the mindset which helped him to dish out another international century with languid brilliance.

Talking at the post-match presentation about his early arrival and the overall process that followed, Kohli said, “Yeah, I wanted to get a hold of the conditions a little bit. Bat a couple of sessions in the daylight and then one session in the evening and then my prep work was done. I took a day off before the game. I'm 37, so I also need to look after my recovery.”

He further added, “But the thing is that, you know, I visualize the game a lot in my mind. And as long as, when I think about the game, when I visualize it, if I see myself being as intense, as sharp, you know, taking the fielders on, taking the bowlers on, then I know I'm in a good space and I kind of can relax and just play out there.”

He also opened up about the match-winning performance, stating, “Well, if you, you know, I've played 300-odd ODI games and so much cricket over the last 15-16 years. As I said, if you're in touch with the game and you know that when you're hitting balls at practice, your reflexes are there, your physical ability is there to bat long. If you can bat an hour and a half, two hours in the nets without taking a break, you're kind of meeting all those markers.”

He concluded by revealing what still gets him going, adding, “Yes, I understand if there's a dip in form, you look for games and you try to get that form back. But as long as you're hitting the ball well and you're playing good cricket, I think at this stage with the experience that I have, for me, it's about being physically fit, mentally ready and excited to play the games that I'm playing. And more or less, everything else should take care of itself.”