Ajinkya Rahane attributes Virat Kohli’s chasing success to his mental approach
Kohli’s Approach to Chasing Targets
Ajinkya Rahane has highlighted Virat Kohli’s mental approach as the key to his success in white-ball cricket run chases. Rahane noted that Kohli maintains composure even when faced with high run rates or falling wickets, a characteristic that has solidified his reputation as a premier run chaser in limited-overs formats.
Kohli’s ability to assess situations and determine when to attack has made him a reliable batter in both One Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 International (T20I) cricket. His performance when batting second is particularly notable in the history of one-day cricket, consistently delivering match-winning innings for India.
The former India captain holds the record for the most centuries in successful ODI run chases, having reached three figures 22 times in victories while batting second. This achievement surpasses other notable batters, with Sachin Tendulkar recording 14 centuries and former Australia captain Ricky Ponting achieving eight in winning chases.
The Mindset Behind the Master Chaser
Rahane believes that Kohli’s primary strength lies not just in his technique but in his strategic thinking during a chase. Speaking on the Stick to Cricket podcast, Rahane mentioned his attempts to understand the secret behind Kohli’s consistent success, describing it as a “fearless calculation.”
“I think it’s his mind. The calculation in his mind. I think that’s the secret. I tried to ask him many times, but you know he doesn’t give it away,” Rahane stated. He added that Kohli’s calculations are often fearless, involving a clear understanding of when to take risks.
Former England captain Alastair Cook also commended Kohli’s distinctive method for chasing targets. Cook observed that Kohli takes calculated risks that appear significant but are not actual risks for him, and he repeats this approach.
Kohli’s decision-making under pressure is considered a significant factor in his performance. While many batters possess the physical skills, Kohli’s capacity to manage the mental demands of a chase, including nerves and split-second decisions, distinguishes him. His consistent performance over more than fifteen years underscores his ability to thrive under pressure.
Rahane’s comments on Kohli’s “fearless calculation” underscore the difference between good and great players, highlighting Kohli’s understanding of how and when to execute plays. Kohli’s chasing average across all chases remains higher than his career average, suggesting that his success is not dependent on favourable conditions or weaker opposition but rather on his mental fortitude and game awareness.
Partnership and Camaraderie
Beyond individual achievements, Rahane also discussed his bond with Kohli, particularly their successful partnerships in Test cricket. The duo has accumulated 3661 runs from 67 innings together in the format. Rahane explained that their contrasting styles—Kohli’s aggressive nature and his own calm demeanor—complemented each other effectively.
Rahane noted that positive and frank communication was crucial to their successful partnerships. He recalled an incident during the first Test match against Australia in Adelaide in December 2020, where Kohli was run out due to miscommunication while batting on 74 runs in the first innings. India was subsequently bowled out for 36 runs in the second innings of that match.
Following Rahane’s retirement from international cricket, Kohli shared a message, referring to Rahane as his favourite Test batting partner. Kohli’s post acknowledged Rahane’s contributions to Indian cricket and praised his fielding in the slips.
Kohli wrote, “Jinks, congratulations on a great career, buddy. You’ve done wonders for Indian cricket, and you can be very proud of your journey. The safest pair of hands in the slips and my favourite Test batting partner. Wishing you well always. God bless.”
This sentiment highlights the strong relationship between the two cricketers, extending beyond their on-field collaborations.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
