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- By Gurmeet Batra
- Mon, 01 Dec 2025 02:44 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
India vs South Africa 1st ODI: Former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn has lured a striking contrast between Virat Kohli and the typical sportsman approaching the twilight of their career, stating that at the age of 37, the batting mogul continues to embody an unbridled energy on the field.
Despite retiring from T20Is and Tests, Kohli's ODI prowess remains undimmed. The superstar, who turned 37 recently, slammed his 52nd century in the opening one-day against South Africa on Sunday.
"When you speak to most 37 or 38-year-olds, they say they hate leaving home, their dog, their kids. But he (Virat) is in a place mentally where he's eager to be out there playing for India. You can see it when he's running between the wickets, fielding and diving. He's mentally young, fresh, and wants to be here,” Steyn told JioStar on Sunday.
"He's played over 300 ODIs in 15–16 years, so the experience is inside him. It's in his body and mind. Even if he arrived here after three days of rain, it wouldn't have affected his preparation. He's mentally strong, visualises well, and can see the ball onto the bat. That's what the best in the world do," said the Proteas great.
"They back themselves because they've been out there so many times. A key thing he said is that he's excited about playing," Steyn added.
Following his 83rd international century, Kohli expressed his mindset and preparation at this stage of his career.
"I have never been a believer of a lot of preparation. All my cricket has been mental. I work physically very hard, as long as my fitness levels are up and I am feeling well, it's good," said Kohli.
"I've played 300-odd ODI games and so much cricket, if you're in touch with the game and are able to hit balls in the practice, if you bat for an hour or two in the nets, you know you're good," he said.