'He was like a cat on a hot tin roof' - Ex-India coach opens up on Virat Kohli's mindset before going out to bat

Published - 16 Oct 2025, 15:43 IST | Updated - 16 Oct 2025, 16:09 IST

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri recently revealed insight into Virat Kohli’s mindset before walking out to bat. Shastri, who worked closely with Kohli during one of India’s most successful phases in international cricket, spoke about Kohli’s intensity and passion often reached such a level that he occasionally had to calm him down in the dressing room.

The ex-coach recalled how Kohli’s enthusiasm and energy were on a high, even when he was not on the field. He further mentioned that the star batter's competitiveness often pushed his teammates to improve their fitness standards.

"At times I had to calm him ( Kohli) down. If a wicket went, he would jump out of his seat. I would say, 'Calm down man, let him (dismissed batter) cross halfway, don't meet him when he's just 10 yards away from the stumps. Let him come near the boundary line, then cross him'. He was like a cat on a hot tin roof ready to punch out there. That's Virat for you. It did because he would show them up otherwise. When you are running between the wickets, if you are a lazy bugger, you'll soon find out. He'll be completing two runs and you'll be trying to finish the second and he'll be looking for the third while you've not even finished your second run. Immediately, the message then is, ' Get to that bloody gym and start training and get fitter," he said in the LiSTNR Sport podcast.

The 63-year-old also recalled Kohli’s training during India’s 2018 tour of South Africa, calling his work ethic unreal. After getting out early in a Test, Kohli reportedly spent nearly an hour in the nets and even asked a slinger to bowl at him at full pace.

"It was unreal, his work ethic was special. I've never seen anyone like that. Forget the gym, I remember him getting out early in Cape Town ( 2018 Test series in South Africa). And he came at the nets at the Centurion and he batted for 45 minutes, then went back in and asked Raghu, a slinger who can crank it up at 150-160 from 16 yards to bowl. And he went after Virat because Virat wanted that," added Shastri.

Three matches won't decide Rohit-Kohli's future: Chopra

Meanwhile, the veteran batter has rejoined Team India ahead of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, starting October 19 in Perth. The 36-year-old is set to make his return to international cricket after a short break following India’s Champions Trophy win. Kohli was spotted batting alongside Rohit Sharma during India’s first net session in Perth. Pictures of the two training together at the Optus Stadium went viral on social media.