Ajinkya Rahane has offered insights into what makes Virat Kohli a successful run-chaser in limited-overs cricket. According to Rahane, Kohli’s mental approach and calculated decision-making are key factors in his ability to guide India to victory in high-pressure situations.
Kohli is widely recognized for his proficiency in chasing targets in One Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 International (T20I) matches. Rahane believes that Kohli maintains composure even when the required run rate increases or wickets fall at the other end. His strong game awareness and ability to discern when to attack contribute to his reliability as a batter in these formats.
Kohli’s statistics when batting second are notable in one-day cricket history. He holds the record for the most centuries in successful ODI run chases, having reached three figures 22 times in winning efforts while batting second. This achievement surpasses Sachin Tendulkar, who has 14 centuries in winning chases, and former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, who recorded eight.
Kohli’s Mental Approach to Chasing
Rahane highlighted that Kohli’s primary strength lies not just in his technique but in his thought process during a chase. Speaking on the Stick to Cricket podcast, Rahane mentioned his attempts to understand Kohli’s secret to success, noting that Kohli does not readily reveal his methods. Rahane described Kohli’s calculations as “fearless” at times, particularly in knowing when to take risks.
Former England captain Alastair Cook also commented on Kohli’s distinctive approach to chasing. Cook noted that Kohli takes risks that might appear significant to others but are not so for him, and he consistently executes this strategy.
Kohli’s decision-making under pressure is considered a significant asset. While many batters can hit the ball powerfully or follow conventional cricket strategies, Kohli’s ability to manage nerves and make split-second choices during a chase distinguishes him. His consistent performance over more than 15 years demonstrates his sustained excellence in this aspect of the game.
Rahane’s remarks about Kohli’s “fearless calculation” underscore what sets him apart. Kohli’s chasing average across all chases remains higher than his career average, suggesting that his success is not dependent on favorable conditions or weak opposition but rather on his mental strength and understanding of the game.
Partnership Dynamics with Rahane
Beyond white-ball cricket, Rahane also reflected on his partnership with Kohli in Test matches. The pair scored 3661 runs together from 67 innings in Test cricket. Rahane explained that their contrasting personalities—Kohli’s aggressive nature and Rahane’s calm demeanor—complemented each other effectively. This blend, along with positive and frank communication, contributed to their successful partnerships.
Rahane recalled an incident from the 2020 Adelaide Test where Kohli was run out due to a miscommunication between them. Kohli, batting on 74 runs in the first innings, was run out, and India was later bowled out for 36 runs in the second innings of that match. Despite this, Kohli has referred to Rahane as his favorite Test batting partner, sharing a heartfelt post after Rahane’s retirement from international cricket.
Kohli’s message to Rahane highlighted his appreciation for Rahane’s contributions to Indian cricket, calling him “the safest pair of hands in the slips” and his “favourite Test batting partner.” The bond between the two players extended off the field, with frequent discussions about cricket.
Rahane also discussed the impact of Kohli and Ravi Shastri on Indian cricket after MS Dhoni stepped down from Test captaincy in December 2014. As vice-captain under Kohli, Rahane observed their efforts to instill an aggressive mindset and transform the team’s culture. Under Kohli’s captaincy, India rose to the number one spot in the ICC Test rankings within two years and maintained that position for much of his tenure until January 2022.
Rahane credited Kohli and Shastri for making the team more resilient, particularly in overseas matches, by encouraging a fearless approach and risk-taking. Their partnership in Test cricket, with an average of 56.32, included 10 century and 17 half-century stands, placing them fifth all-time in terms of runs scored as a pair in Test history.
Rahane’s insights provide a comprehensive view of Kohli’s approach to different formats of the game, emphasizing his mental strength and strategic thinking in critical moments.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
