“I am just playing one form of the game” - Virat Kohli quashes rumours of Test comeback

India’s No.3 ODI batter Virat Kohli, who scored his 83rd international century in the first ODI of the three-match series against South Africa in Ranchi on Sunday, November 30, has confirmed that he is not going to make his comeback in the longest format of the game.

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Speaking in the post-match presentation ceremony after winning the player of the match award, Kohli quashed all the rumours of his Test comeback. Notably, Kohli went on to smack 135 runs in 120 balls with 11 fours and seven sixes as India posted a daunting total of 349/8 in 50 overs.

“You know, I've never been a big believer in a lot of preparation, if that makes sense. All my cricket has been mental. As long as I feel mentally I can play the game, I work physically very hard every day of my life. It's got nothing to do with cricket anymore. It's the way I live. So, as long as my fitness levels are up and my mental enjoyment and sharpness is there, when you can visualize the game and you see yourself running as hard, reacting fast on the ball, then you know it's fine,” Virat Kohli said in the post-match presentation ceremony.

“Yes, that's how it's always going to be. I'm just playing one form of the game. 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 added.

“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,” he concluded.

Alongside Kohli, Rohit Sharma also had a fun time, scoring 57 runs in 51 balls with five fours and three sixes. KL Rahul, batting at No.6, scored 60 runs in 56 balls. In response, South Africa fell short by 17 runs as India bagged a 1–0 lead in the ODI series.

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