In a candid conversation, Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir delved into Virat Kohli’s remarkable mental strength and the elusive ‘zone’ that cricketers aspire to reach. Gambhir recalled a memorable India-Australia series, highlighting Kohli’s exceptional concentration.
“During the India vs. Australia series, where you had an outstanding performance, you kept chanting ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ before every delivery, which helped you get into that zone,” Gambhir said, reflecting on Kohli‘s dedication.
Gambhir then shared a personal experience from a match in Napier. “I didn’t think I could bat for two and a half days, but I was listening to the Hanuman Chalisa during those days. It got me into that zone and helped me,” he revealed during a chat conducted by the BCCI.
He stressed the rarity and importance of reaching such a state. “Very few times in your career will you find yourself in that zone. When I was batting on day 5, VVS Laxman told me that I never uttered a word between overs—I was completely zoned out. I know how valuable it is to be in that state. Unless you’ve experienced it, you can’t fully understand how to achieve it,” Gambhir remarked.
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Adding to the discussion, Kohli shared his thoughts on chasing targets and the clarity it provides. “A chase has always provided clarity. If your motivation is to win, then you will always find a way. For me, I want the result first. If that requires me to play aggressive cricket, I will play aggressive cricket. If it requires me to run, I will run. To play shots on the ground, I will play shots on the ground. If I have to leave the ball for three hours, I will leave the ball for three hours. If you don’t want the victory so badly, you will not work on the solutions,” Kohli explained.