Virat Kohli Says Next-Gen Cricketers Didn’t Grow Up Learning Traditional Way
Virat Kohli discusses changing learning style of young cricketers.
Indian cricket star Virat Kohli has issued a strong message to the next generation of players, urging them to look beyond the instant fame and financial rewards offered by franchise cricket and instead focus on long-term commitment to the sport and all-format excellence.Speaking at the third edition of the RCB Innovation Lab’s Indian Sports Summit, Kohli emphasised that true motivation in professional cricket must come from internal drive rather than monetary incentives.
He said modern cricket, particularly the Indian Premier League (IPL), offers young players rapid recognition through explosive short-format performances, but warned that this can sometimes overshadow the discipline required for sustained international careers. Kohli noted that while T20 cricket has created exciting opportunities, it can also encourage players to prioritise short-term success over long-term development.
He stressed that those aiming for longevity in the game must be prepared to commit to years of hard work, mental discipline, and continuous improvement to earn lasting respect in world cricket. The former India captain also acknowledged the evolution of modern batting, praising the aggressive and innovative style of today’s young cricketers. He admitted that current players are often more advanced in power-hitting techniques compared to earlier generations, highlighting the rapid transformation of the sport in the T20 era.
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However, Kohli cautioned that the true test of a batter’s skill emerges in more challenging conditions, particularly during the later stages of tournaments like the IPL, when pitches become slower and scoring becomes more difficult. He pointed out that while early matches often produce high-scoring encounters, tougher games require adaptability and smarter decision-making under pressure. He explained that success in such situations depends on a strong technical foundation and the ability to adjust one’s batting style according to match conditions.
According to him, a complete batter must be capable of multiple approaches—whether attacking, rotating strike, or anchoring an innings—depending on what the team requires.Kohli also highlighted the importance of mental clarity and preparation, stating that players must train their bodies and minds to respond to different match scenarios. He added that adaptability, rather than a single-dimensional approach, is what ultimately defines longevity and success in top-level cricket.The remarks underline Kohli’s continued emphasis on discipline and versatility in modern cricket, even as the sport evolves rapidly with the growing dominance of franchise-based T20 leagues.
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