- By Namrata Vijay
- Sun, 30 Nov 2025 12:56 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
IND vs SA 1st ODI: Star India batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma talked about their mindset while playing in an ODI match and how they will approach each bilateral series from now on. The ODI is the only format where these two batters are seen in action these days, as both of them have retired from the shortest format after winning the 2024 T20 World Cup and from the longest format as well. Both Kohli and Rohit were last seen in action in the ODI series against Australia, where they had opposite outings with the bat.
But they helped the visitors bounce back in the last ODI against Australia, where Rohit scored a match-winning knock of 121 runs, and Kohli too scored a gritty knock of 74 runs. The three-match ODI series against South Africa is their next assignment as they are eyeing a spot in the 2027 ODI World Cup team.
The BCCI took to their official social media account and posted a video for the team's preparation for the series opener in Ranchi, which is especially about Rohit and Kohli. Kohli was the first one to talk about how he tries to be stronger every day, both on and off the field.
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"You get stronger mentally and physically by putting in the work. It's a constant process in every day of your life. It's not just related to cricket," Kohli was heard as saying in the video.
Rohit then revealed that his intent is the same whenever he wears the Indian jersey.
"The drive and willingness. It's not just now. Every time you come out and represent your country, the drive and willingness are always there," he added.
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RO-KO MENTALITY
Talking deeply about his game, Kohli revealed that when he represents the country, he tries to give 100 percent.
"Look, I've been very sure of the fact that once I make myself available to play, I arrive at my 100 percent capacity. That's how I've always played my cricket. I've never arrived at a series or a tournament at even 95 percent," Kohli added.
Rohit then talked about how his drive is the same, just like it was when he made his debut at 20.
"I started playing at 20. My drive was very similar to what it is now. The mindset of coming out and doing well, giving your best, whatever you have inside you has remained the same," Rohit said.
EVERY GAME IS LIKE A DEBUT
Kohli had smashed 14255 runs after playing in 305 matches in this format, whereas Rohit has scored 11370 runs after playing in 276 matches. They do have a lot of experience, but both of them still treat every match as their debut game.
"I look at myself literally every game as making a debut because that's how I want to train myself," Rohit added.
For Kohli, it's all about balancing both hard work and consistency.
"I think being in a balanced place is something that helps you to keep your hard work consistent, and I think that's the key to playing for a long period of time. Regardless of the results, your work, your effort, your commitment do not change, and I think that's why you would say after playing for 10-15 years that you become wiser. You understand, my routines cannot depend on results. The results are a byproduct of the hard work and not the other way around," he concluded.