Ajinkya Rahane discusses Virat Kohli’s mindset in white-ball cricket chases
Ajinkya Rahane has shed light on Virat Kohli’s approach to run chases in white-ball cricket, attributing his success to his mental fortitude and calculated decision-making. Kohli is widely recognized for his ability to guide India to victory in high-pressure situations during limited-overs matches.
Rahane noted that Kohli’s greatest strength lies in his thought process during a chase, rather than just his technique. He highlighted Kohli’s ability to remain composed even when the required run rate increases or wickets fall. Kohli’s keen game awareness and his judgment of when to attack have established him as a dependable batter in ODI and T20I cricket.
Kohli’s Chasing Prowess
Kohli’s statistics when batting second are notable in one-day cricket history. He has consistently delivered match-winning performances when India has been tasked with chasing targets. He holds the record for the most centuries in successful ODI run chases, achieving this milestone 22 times. This record surpasses Sachin Tendulkar, who has 14 hundreds in winning chases, and former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, who recorded eight.
Rahane mentioned that he has often tried to understand the secret behind Kohli’s success but has not received a direct answer. He described Kohli’s calculations as “fearless at times,” emphasizing his understanding of when to take risks. Former England captain Alastair Cook also acknowledged Kohli’s unique approach to chasing, noting his ability to take what appear to be significant risks that ultimately prove to be well-judged.
Kohli’s decision-making under pressure is considered a key factor in his consistent performance. Unlike many batters who might struggle with nerves and split-second choices during a chase, Kohli appears to thrive in such scenarios. His consistent performance over an extended period, spanning more than fifteen years, highlights his sustained ability to perform under pressure, a trait that many other batters find difficult to maintain.
Rahane’s observations suggest that Kohli’s “fearless calculation” is what distinguishes him. He understands not only what actions to take but also the precise timing for those actions. Furthermore, Kohli’s chasing average across all chases, not just winning ones, remains higher than his career average, indicating a consistent special contribution to chases regardless of external factors like favorable conditions or weaker opposition.
Partnership with Rahane
Beyond white-ball cricket, Rahane also reflected on his bond with Kohli in Test cricket, where they formed several successful partnerships. The duo scored 3661 runs together from 67 innings in Test matches. Rahane noted that their contrasting personalities, with Kohli’s aggressive nature and his own calm demeanor, complemented each other effectively.
Rahane explained that positive and frank communication was crucial to their successful partnerships. He recalled an instance where Kohli, after Rahane’s retirement, referred to him as his favorite Test batting partner. Kohli had praised Rahane’s career and his role in Indian cricket, particularly highlighting his safe hands in the slips.
The pair’s on-field relationship was also characterized by mutual encouragement. Rahane shared that Kohli would often seek his input on engaging with opponents, and Rahane would encourage him to respond. Their time spent discussing cricket off the field also contributed to their strong understanding and successful collaborations.
Their statistical record in Test cricket includes 10 century stands and 17 half-century stands, placing them among the top pairs in terms of runs scored in Test history. This partnership was particularly evident against Australia, where they frequently built strong stands.
Rahane also touched upon the transition in Indian cricket following MS Dhoni’s departure from Test captaincy. He credited Kohli and Ravi Shastri with fostering an aggressive mindset and transforming the team’s culture, especially in overseas matches. Kohli’s leadership saw India rise to the number one spot in the ICC Test rankings within two years of him taking over as captain in January 2015.
Rahane recalled Kohli’s encouragement to play fearlessly, stating that Kohli would tell him to attack from the first ball if he wished. This freedom to play without fear was a defining characteristic of their era.
The strong bond and effective communication between Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane were evident both on and off the field.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
