The cricketing world is buzzing with revelations from a recent conversation between Team India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir and the legendary batsman Virat Kohli. This insightful discussion, shared by BCCI, unveiled some intriguing details about Kohli’s mindset during the challenging Australia tour in 2014-15, a pivotal moment in his cricketing journey.
Kohli’s Spiritual Connection on the Field
During the conversation, Gambhir disclosed that Kohli was not just focused on his performance but was also embracing a spiritual practice. He shared that Virat was chanting the mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” before every ball he faced during the Test series against Australia. In total, Kohli faced 1,093 deliveries, which means he echoed the name of Lord Shiva a remarkable 1,093 times throughout the series. This ritual not only highlights Kohli’s spiritual dedication but also showcases how it may have contributed to his confidence and performance on the field.
A Memorable Series Despite the Outcome
Even though India did not win the Australia series in 2014-15, it emerged as a memorable phase for Virat Kohli. He took over as Test captain after MS Dhoni’s sudden retirement, a responsibility that would shape his leadership career. Kohli emerged as a powerhouse during this tour, amassing an impressive total of 692 runs at an extraordinary average of over 86, including four centuries and a half-century. His performance not only galvanized Team India but also marked a significant milestone in his accolade-laden career.
Gambhir’s Perspective on Kohli’s Batting Zone
Gambhir praised Kohli’s remarkable form during that series, stating that the intensity and concentration Kohli exhibited were unmatched. He likened it to his own experience during the Napier Test in 2009, where he batted for over 436 balls, scoring 137 runs while chanting Hanuman Chalisa for focus. Gambhir remarked that Kohli was in a unique “zone,” enabling him to perform at his peak, a state he has not quite replicated since then.
Gambhir’s Praise for Kohli’s Captaincy
In addition to discussing Kohli’s batting prowess, Gautam Gambhir lauded Kohli for his captaincy skills. He emphasized that a significant part of Kohli’s success as captain stemmed from his initiative in developing a formidable bowling unit. Under Kohli’s leadership, India cultivated a strong pace attack featuring bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, and Mohammed Siraj. This strategic development has established Kohli as India’s most successful Test captain, leading the team to victory in 40 Test matches.
A very special interview 🙌
Stay tuned for a deep insight on how great cricketing minds operate. #TeamIndia’s Head Coach Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli come together in a never-seen-before freewheeling chat.
You don’t want to miss this! Briefly on https://t.co/Z3MPyeKtDz pic.twitter.com/dQ21iOPoLy
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 18, 2024
