Virat Kohli Shoots Down Test Retirement U-Turn Rumours, Clarifies His International Future With 'One Form Of Game' Remark

India vs South Africa ODI: Shushing all the Test retirement reversal talks, India's batting maestro Virat Kohli candidly acknowledged the physical demands of his sport, admitting that he is "playing one form of the game."

Kohli reaffirmed his lasting value to India's ODI setup with a perfectly paced century and his 52nd ODI hundred in Men in Blue's 17-run win over South Africa. India now lead the rubber 1-0, and the second match will be played at Raipur on Wednesday.

Once Kohli's 120-ball 135 (11x4, 7x6) steered India to a monumental 349/8, South Africa failed to produce the Strenuous batting effort needed for a tall chase, bundled out for 332.

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Kohli revealed that his relentless physical regimen is an essential part of his lifestyle, rather than a cricket-specific practice, stressing that mental sharpness remains his top priority. The batting mogul quashed all the rumours surrounding his Test format comeback and made it clear that he is continuing to play this one format.

"All my preparation is mental. As long as my physical levels are up and the mental sharpness is there, then you know it's fine. I took a day off before the game. I'm 37 and need time for recovery. That's how it's always going to be - I'm just playing one form of the game," Kohli said in a post-match presentation.

"Today was really nice to kind of get into the game like that. Pitch played decently in the first 20-25 overs before it started to slow down. Was just about staying in the space of enjoyment. Of course, when you get a start, you get into the situation, and you know what needs to be done. The experience kicks in. I've never been a believer in preparation. All my preparation is mental," he added.

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With over 300 ODIs under his belt, Kohli is convinced that staying connected to the game and recognising when he's striking the ball well is key to recovering his rhythm.

"If you've played 300-odd games and so much cricket, you know when you're hitting balls in practice, you know the reflexes are there and the physical ability is there to bat long. As long as you're hitting the ball well and playing good cricket, it's about being physically fit, mentally ready and excited," said the former India captain.