India’s star batsman Virat Kohli has once again shown his class in the ongoing ODI series against South Africa, hitting back-to-back centuries in the first two matches. He scored a brilliant 135 in Ranchi, followed by 102 in Raipur, providing India with strong platforms to dominate both games.
Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin offered an insightful take on Kohli’s animated celebrations, suggesting they carried a deeper message for those who had doubted his form. Speaking on his YouTube channel, “Ash ki Baat,” Ashwin explained that Kohli’s reactions were more than just expressions of joy—they reflected his competitive spirit and inner drive.
Kohli’s Celebrations: A Statement of Confidence
Ashwin noted that Kohli’s fiery celebrations were a message not to the world but to himself, reminding him of his own capability after facing scrutiny. “Message must have gone inside Virat that ‘Are you people doubting my ability?’ Because Virat is very competitive. Because of that competitive nature, he has performed so well,” Ashwin said, as quoted by The Indian Express.
He added, “He looks in a good space. Looks like he had good practice. His mind is in good space. He has scored two centuries. He is telling not the world. He is telling himself. You doubted me. I did it. I have got in me, and that is what I saw when he celebrated.”
Ashwin also linked the intensity of Kohli’s celebrations to the emotional journey he has experienced after stepping away from Test cricket. “Let’s not forget to understand why Virat is celebrating like that? What is he thinking? What has he gone through? Let’s not forget that Virat left Test cricket,” Ashwin said. “And Virat and Test cricket have been very very synchronous. He likes Test cricket very much. He always wants to play but he has left the Test cricket format.”
Kohli’s Mental Approach: Enjoying the Game
Kohli himself spoke about his mindset after the Ranchi century, highlighting the mental clarity with which he approaches cricket. “I just wanted to play the ball and enjoy the game of cricket. It was about enjoying and when you get a start, then the experience kicks in and you’re able to build an innings,” he said. “I’ve never been a believer of a lot of prep. All my cricket has been mental. I work physically very hard, as long as my fitness levels are up and then you visualise batting and feeling well, it’s good.”
As the ODI series against South Africa heads into the decisive stages, Kohli’s form and the conviction behind his performances have become major talking points. Ashwin’s reading of his celebrations highlights not just the skill but also the emotional intensity and personal motivation driving one of cricket’s modern greats.
