Former India star gives bold verdict on Virat Kohli

Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli has often been labelled as aggressive or arrogant by those watching from the outside. However, his longtime teammate Ajinkya Rahane has offered a fresh and deeply insightful perspective, shedding light on what truly drives the former Indian captain.

According to Rahane, Kohli’s greatness does not come only from his hunger for runs or his visible passion on the field. Instead, it is his mindset—his relentless attitude toward learning, fighting, and self-improvement that sets him apart. What many mistake for arrogance, Rahane believes, is actually Kohli’s intense focus and mental preparation.

Having played alongside Kohli for years, Rahane explained that Kohli consciously isolates himself before matches. He enters a personal zone where he limits conversations, even with teammates. This behavior, often misunderstood, is not rooted in ego but is part of his mental routine to prepare himself completely for the game.

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Rahane revealed that Kohli often keeps to himself, listening to music or spending time in the gym. Initially, teammates found this puzzling. Over time, however, they understood that this silence and solitude help Kohli sharpen his concentration and switch into match mode.

Beyond preparation, Rahane praised Kohli’s unmatched work ethic. Despite achieving almost everything in international cricket, Kohli continues to push himself, constantly seeking ways to evolve and contribute more to the team. Every phase of his career, Rahane noted, shows a cricketer willing to adapt and grow.

Summing up Kohli’s persona, Rahane emphasized that his attitude toward improvement and team contribution is extraordinary. Kohli’s drive to change, learn, and give his best remains undiminished—making him not just a great player, but a relentless competitor driven by purpose rather than praise.