Vijay Dahiya, the assistant coach of the Gujarat Titans, spoke about his extensive association with Virat Kohli, recalling their shared experiences in domestic cricket in Delhi. Dahiya reflected on how Kohli has transformed from a chubby young player in the dressing room to one of the most disciplined and relentless competitors in the realm of cricket. He emphasized that Kohli’s internal drive for improvement has been a significant factor in his success.
Dahiya noted, “I think he wants to be better than what he was yesterday. That’s another thing that stands out in his fitness and discipline. It’s an example for a lot of people. It’s damn difficult to follow in the same way. But at least pick up something from there,” during a post-match press conference.
Mindset of a Champion
Further discussing Kohli’s mindset, Dahiya highlighted that Kohli does not allow longevity in the game or his past reputation to define him. Instead, he maintains a focus on continuous self-improvement. “A lot of times, there is a word called zid. We use it in a wrong way. I think he is ziddi to do well. That’s one thing that stands out for him,” he explained.
Contrary to common perceptions, Dahiya argued that Kohli’s motivation does not stem from the need to prove himself to others, but rather from personal aspirations. “He is not playing to prove a point to anyone. It’s a man in the mirror,” he added, reinforcing the significance of intrinsic motivation in Kohli’s career.
Beyond Technical Skill
Dahiya remarked that Kohli’s contributions extend well beyond his technical skills. He pointed to Kohli’s energy, awareness, and intensity as essential components of his sustained success. “If you look at his energy, one thing is about skill, one thing is about game sense. But his awareness, his energy and his willingness,” he stated.
Recalling a conversation following a match where Kohli played a pivotal innings, Dahiya noted that Kohli still expressed disappointment at not converting his score into a century, illustrating his relentless pursuit of excellence. “After the game, I was just having a chat with him and he was disappointed. He was saying that I could have converted this to 100. I said it’s for somebody who doesn’t know how to do it,” Dahiya said.
Commanding Presence on the Field
Dahiya also spoke about Kohli’s ability to manage games even against elite bowling attacks, remarking on how he can simplify challenging conditions through his commanding presence at the crease. “I am very confident that I would have won this game on a surface like this,” he asserted, reflecting on Kohli’s performance on what Dahiya described as a difficult wicket.
“When you are playing and when you are commanding the situation, you make the bowler bowl where you want him to bowl. That’s the kind of innings Virat has played, putting pressure on the bowlers. World-class bowlers, not only the domestic bowlers. That’s what Virat is all about,” Dahiya concluded, emphasizing the mindset that distinguishes Kohli from his peers.
