 "India's Virat Kohli arrives to bat during the first one-day international (ODI) cricket match between India and South Africa at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi. AFP")
Did Virat Kohli rule out return to Test cricket after his match-winning ton against South Africa in the first ODI? The right-hander scored a stunning 135 from 120 balls to set up India’s 17-run win against the Proteas in Ranchi on Sunday.
Reports stating that BCCI is considering convincing some senior players to return to Test cricket were doing rounds ahead of the first ODI. Reports also said that one recently retired player was even believed to be rethinking his decision. Social media was rife with speculations of Kohli returning to red ball cricket after the report.
However, the former India captain’s comments after his 52nd ODI century might be an indication that he is content with just the 50-over game.
IND vs SA: Kohli’s bombshell comment
Kohli was awarded the Player of the Match for his innings. After the match, when he was asked about his preparation, Kohli said his preparation is on a mental level.
“All my preparation is mental. As long as my physical levels are up and the mental sharpness is there, then you know it’s fine. I took a day off before the game. I’m 37 and need time for recovery,” he said.
When asked if he will only be playing ODIs now, Kohli said: “That’s how it’s always going to be - I’m just playing one form of the game.”
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View AllThis comment could be seen as his confirmation that he will be only focusing on ODIs for the rest of his career.
Kohli credits 300-ODI experience after century
“Of course when you get a start, you get into the situation, you know what needs to be done. The experience kicks in. I’ve never been a believer of preparation. All my preparation is mental. As long as my physical levels are up and the mental sharpness is there, then you know it’s fine,” said Kohli in the post-match presentation ceremony.
“If you’ve played 300-odd games and so much cricket, you know when you’re hitting balls in practice, you know the reflexes are there and the physical ability is there to bat long. As long as you’re hitting the ball well and playing good cricket, it’s about physically fit, mentally ready and excited,” he added.
Kohli’s ton helped India set a 350-run target for South Africa who put up a brave lower-order resistance to come close, but eventually fell short.