Ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy final, former coach Ravi Shastri analyzed Virat Kohli’s exceptional ODI career, highlighting his discipline and match awareness. Kohli has scored 14,180 runs at an average of 58.11, including 51 centuries. He has shown glimpses of his prime during the tournament, scoring a century against Pakistan and excelling in the semifinal against Australia. Shastri praised Kohli’s ability to manage pressure by playing smartly and taking singles, allowing other players to contribute. Kohli, India’s top run-scorer in the tournament with 217 runs, aims for his second Champions Trophy win against New Zealand in Dubai.
Before the final of the ICC Champions Trophy, former coach Ravi Shastri offered a detailed assessment of India’s star batter Virat Kohli, highlighting how the right-hander’s discipline and understanding of match situations distinguish him from others. Kohli’s ODI career has been nothing short of phenomenal, amassing 14,180 runs at an average of 58.11, including a record-setting 51 centuries, which solidifies his prominence in the format. The 36-year-old displayed glimpses of his vintage form during the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025, scoring a century against arch-rivals Pakistan and delivering another brilliant performance in the semifinal chase against Australia.
In a recent episode of The ICC Review, Shastri, who collaborated closely with Kohli in a coach-captain partnership, elaborated on what makes him the unrivaled master of the 50-over game.
“It’s his discipline and match awareness (that set him apart). There were times in the past three or four years where he seemed to get ahead of himself, trying to surpass what he’s already good at, which can catch up to you,” Shastri remarked.
“However, he’s returned to what he excels at: taking singles, playing the ball on the ground when necessary, and hitting big when the opportunity arises. The best players in one-day cricket, especially during chases, can accomplish this.
“When you’re effortlessly picking up singles, the pressure fades away. Moreover, having a partner like Shreyas (Iyer) who can strike aggressively alleviates that pressure, making it even easier,” he explained.
Shastri reminisced about a moment during India’s 2018 tour of South Africa in Cape Town, where Kohli was dismissed early in both innings but stayed an extra hour after play to refine his skills. He bounced back in the subsequent Test in Centurion with a commanding 150.
The former coach also praised Kohli’s energy, emphasizing his commitment to giving his all on the field and remaining engaged in the game.
“Fans enjoy watching sports when they see athletes with energy. Whether it’s (Cristiano) Ronaldo, (Lionel) Messi, (Novak) Djokovic, or (Rafael) Nadal, that energy creates a unique charisma that attracts others. They want to see these players in action,” Shastri added.
“It reflects the sacrifices an individual makes. I observed similar dedication in Tendulkar, who cherished his food and the activities his peers enjoyed, yet often declined,” he concluded.
In the current Champions Trophy, Kohli leads as India’s top run-scorer with 217 runs from four matches, maintaining a strike rate of 83.14. He aims to secure his second Champions Trophy title on Sunday when India faces New Zealand in the final in Dubai.
A victory would enhance his prestigious collection, which also includes the 2011 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, the 2013 Champions Trophy, and the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
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