Top 5 lessons to learn from Virat Kohli, backed by examples from his career

Virat Kohli is more than just a cricketing superstar; he is a global icon whose journey from a promising young talent to one of the greatest batsmen in the history of the game is a testament to hard work, determination, and an unyielding commitment to excellence. Kohli’s career offers countless lessons that go beyond the cricket field, serving as an inspiration to millions around the world. Here are the top five lessons to learn from Virat Kohli, backed by examples from his illustrious career.

1. Relentless Work Ethic and Discipline

One of the most significant lessons from Virat Kohli’s career is his relentless work ethic and commitment to maintaining peak physical and mental fitness. Kohli’s transformation from a slightly chubby young cricketer to a lean, fit, and athletic sportsman has been nothing short of remarkable. This change didn’t happen overnight; it resulted from years of dedication, strict diet control, and rigorous training.

Kohli’s turning point came after the Indian team’s disappointing performance in the 2012 World Cup. He realized that to be the best, he needed to change his lifestyle drastically. Kohli adopted a strict diet regimen, eliminating junk food, sugary drinks, and alcohol, focusing on lean protein, salads, and water. His dedication to fitness was evident when he scored an unbeaten 133 off 86 balls against Sri Lanka in 2012, which included running 31 singles and eight twos, demonstrating incredible stamina and speed.

Moreover, his work ethic extends to his practice sessions. Kohli is known to be one of the earliest players to arrive for practice and the last to leave. His discipline and commitment to training have enabled him to maintain a consistently high level of performance, setting an example for aspiring cricketers and sports enthusiasts.

2. Mental Toughness and Adaptability

Kohli’s career is a masterclass in mental toughness and adaptability. He has faced numerous challenges, both on and off the field, but his ability to stay focused, adapt to different conditions, and overcome obstacles has been a key factor in his success.

One of the most defining moments in Kohli’s career came during the 2014 England tour, where he struggled to score runs, managing just 134 runs in 10 innings at an average of 13.4. This phase tested Kohli’s mental strength, and he was criticized heavily by fans and experts alike. However, instead of succumbing to the pressure, Kohli used this experience as motivation to improve his game.

He went back to the drawing board, worked on his technique, and adjusted his stance and approach. His hard work paid off when he returned to England in 2018 and scored 593 runs in five Tests at an average of 59.3, proving his ability to adapt to different conditions and silencing his critics. Kohli’s ability to convert his failures into learning opportunities is a valuable lesson in resilience and mental fortitude.

 

3. Leading by Example: Inspirational Leadership

Kohli’s leadership style is characterized by his aggressive approach, passion for the game, and a strong desire to win. However, what sets him apart as a leader is his ability to lead by example, both on and off the field. He demands the highest standards from his teammates and sets the benchmark through his performances and commitment.

Kohli took over as India’s Test captain in 2014 and later as the limited-overs captain in 2017. Under his leadership, India became the top-ranked Test team in the world, and his captaincy tenure saw several historic wins, including a Test series win in Australia in 2018-2019, India’s first-ever Down Under. Kohli’s own performance as captain has been stellar, scoring runs consistently and often leading the team by example.

A particularly notable instance of his inspirational leadership was during the 2016 T20 World Cup match against Australia, where Kohli single-handedly guided India to victory with an unbeaten 82 off 51 balls. This innings was a masterclass in chasing under pressure, and Kohli’s calm demeanor and confidence instilled belief in his teammates, demonstrating how a leader’s actions can inspire and uplift the entire team.

4. Embracing Challenges and Striving for Consistency

Kohli’s career exemplifies the importance of embracing challenges and striving for consistency in performance. Unlike many cricketers who are known for short bursts of brilliance, Kohli has built his career on sustained excellence across all formats of the game.

Kohli’s record speaks for itself – he is the fastest to reach 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, and 12,000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs), breaking records previously held by cricketing legends like Sachin Tendulkar. His consistency is evident from his remarkable ability to score runs in diverse conditions, from the fast and bouncy pitches of Australia to the turning tracks of India.

Kohli’s hunger for runs and his ability to embrace challenges are best illustrated by his performance in overseas Test series, where he averages over 50 in Australia, South Africa, and England – conditions that are traditionally challenging for subcontinental players. His 2018 century against England at Edgbaston, under swinging conditions, is a prime example of his ability to thrive in adverse conditions, highlighting the lesson that embracing challenges and aiming for consistent excellence can lead to sustained success.

5. Passion for the Game and Maintaining Humility

Despite his numerous accolades and records, Kohli’s passion for the game and his humility remain undiminished. He continues to train with the same intensity and passion, always seeking ways to improve and contribute to the team’s success. His humility is evident in the way he acknowledges his shortcomings and strives to learn from them.

Kohli’s passion was on full display during the 2018 Asia Cup, where he chose to play for his country despite carrying a minor injury. His performances in the tournament, including a century against Pakistan, were marked by his aggressive intent, but he remained grounded, focusing on the team’s goals over personal milestones.

In interviews, Kohli has often spoken about his admiration for other players and his desire to learn from them. Despite being one of the best batsmen of his generation, he respects his peers and is always open to advice. This humility allows him to connect with players across generations, learning from legends like Sachin Tendulkar and sharing his knowledge with younger players.

Virat Kohli’s journey from a young cricket enthusiast to one of the greatest players of all time offers invaluable lessons on work ethic, mental toughness, leadership, consistency, and humility. His career is a testament to the idea that success is not just about talent but also about hard work, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Aspiring cricketers, sports enthusiasts, and individuals from all walks of life can draw inspiration from Kohli’s example, learning to embrace challenges, remain disciplined, and strive for greatness while staying grounded. These lessons are not just relevant to cricket but are universal truths that apply to any field where excellence and perseverance are valued.