Kohli’s change of heart follows his remarks after scoring a match-winning 135 in the second ODI against South Africa on Sunday. “I’ve never been a big believer in a lot of preparation, if that makes sense. All my cricket has been mental. As long as I feel good mentally, I can play the game,” he had said, adding that the volume of cricket he has played over nearly two decades meant he did not feel the need to seek additional match practice.
India vs South Africa 2nd ODI Live Score
“I’ve played 300-odd ODI games and so much cricket over the last 15-16 years. If you can bat an hour and a half, two hours in the nets without taking a break, you’re meeting all the markers. I understand if there’s a dip in form, you look for games and try to get that form back,” Kohli said.He also stressed that for him, the focus remained on readiness rather than repetitions. “As long as you’re hitting the ball well and you’re playing good cricket, at this stage with the experience that I have, for me it’s about being physically fit, mentally ready and excited to play the games that I’m playing. Everything else should take care of itself.”
According to a report in The Indian Express, Kohli's comments “had not gone down well” with the board, which had earlier instructed both Kohli and Rohit Sharma to participate in the domestic one-day competition to remain in contention for India’s ODI plans heading into the next phase of international cricket. Rohit had already informed the Mumbai Cricket Association of his availability, while Kohli had kept his decision pending until now.
Kohli’s return to the domestic circuit comes at a time when speculation around the long-term ODI futures of both senior batters—Kohli, 37, and Rohit, 38—has been intensifying, especially with the next 50-over World Cup scheduled for 2027.
Kohli, however, is showing no signs of slowing down. He registered back-to-back ODI centuries against South Africa to send a loud and clear message about his fitness and form.# Virat Kohli Changed His Mind After BCCI Expressed Displeasure Over His Public Comments in Ranchi: Report
| December 4, 2025**
In the high-stakes world of Indian cricket, where every word from a star like Virat Kohli can spark debates, a recent post-match presser in Ranchi has turned heads. Fresh off a match-winning 135 off 120 balls against South Africa in the second ODI—his 53rd century, eclipsing Sachin Tendulkar's record—Kohli downplayed the need for extensive preparation, emphasizing mental fortitude over endless net sessions. But those remarks didn't sit well with the BCCI, leading to an abrupt about-face: Kohli has now committed to captaining Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy after a 15-year domestic hiatus. As per reports from The Indian Express and others, this pivot underscores the board's push for senior players to stay grounded in domestic cricket ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. Is this a classic case of insider pressure or a genuine shift in mindset? Let's unpack the drama, quotes, and what it means for Team India's talisman at 37.
This isn't just tabloid fodder—it's a window into the evolving dynamics between players and the board, especially as Kohli eyes limited-overs longevity post his Test retirement. With India gearing up for a packed 2026-27 schedule, the BCCI's nudge for domestic participation is no secret, but Kohli's quick recalibration has fans buzzing about accountability versus autonomy.
### The Ranchi Remarks: Mental Game Over Prep Drills?
It all unfolded on December 2 in Ranchi, where India clinched a thrilling 17-run victory over South Africa, thanks to Kohli's explosive knock that propelled them to 325/6. In the post-match chat, the former captain opened up on his approach, revealing a philosophy honed over 300+ ODIs:
> “I’ve never been a big believer in a lot of preparation, if that makes sense. All my cricket has been mental. As long as I feel good mentally, I can play the game.”
He doubled down on experience trumping repetition:
> “As long as you’re hitting the ball well and you’re playing good cricket, at this stage with the experience that I have, for me it’s about being physically fit, mentally ready and excited to play the games that I’m playing. Everything else should take care of itself... If you can bat an hour and a half, two hours in the nets without taking a break, you’re meeting all the markers. I understand if there’s a dip in form, you look for games and try to get that form back.”
These lines, while candid, struck a chord of controversy. In a team sport where the BCCI champions rigorous domestic involvement—especially for veterans—to bridge gaps with emerging talent, Kohli's words could be read as dismissive of structured practice. Coming amid back-to-back centuries (his second in the series), it amplified perceptions of a "senior privilege" mindset.
### BCCI's Displeasure: A Firm Word Behind Closed Doors
The board wasted no time. Sources cited by The Indian Express revealed that Kohli's comments "had not gone down well" within BCCI circles. This isn't isolated—recall the recent mandate for seniors like Kohli and Rohit Sharma to feature in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, aimed at syncing domestic and international rhythms for the 2027 World Cup defense. The BCCI views such participation as non-negotiable for workload management and form assurance, especially with Kohli now focusing solely on ODIs and T20Is post his 2024 Test farewell.
A BCCI insider reportedly conveyed the message: the emphasis on mental prep, while valid for a player of Kohli's pedigree, risked undermining the board's push for holistic readiness. No public reprimand followed—cricket's grapevine stays private—but the timing of Kohli's subsequent decision speaks volumes. Rohit Sharma, for context, had already greenlit his Delhi stint, adding peer pressure to the mix.
### The U-Turn: Back to Domestic Roots After 15 Years
Enter the plot twist. Just days later, Kohli informed the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) of his full availability for the Vijay Hazare Trophy, set to kick off December 21. This marks his return to the premier domestic 50-over event since 2010—a gap filled by international duties but now bridged amid the BCCI's directive. He'll lead Delhi against Andhra Pradesh on December 24 in Alur, with officials hailing it as a "positive sign of his commitment."
Kohli had initially signaled interest but held off confirmation until post the South Africa series, leaving the DDCA in limbo. Now, with the green light, it's clear the board's feedback prompted a rethink. As one report notes, "he has since seemed to have changed his mind," aligning actions with the bigger picture of national prep.
| Timeline of Events | Key Development |
|--------------------|-----------------|
| **Dec 2, 2025** | Kohli's 135* in Ranchi ODI; post-match comments on mental prep over extensive practice. |
| **Dec 3, 2025** | BCCI expresses internal displeasure; reports surface via Indian Express. |
| **Dec 4, 2025** | Kohli confirms Vijay Hazare participation for Delhi, first since 2010. |
| **Dec 21-24, 2025** | Tournament begins; Kohli to captain vs. Andhra Pradesh. |
This shift isn't mere compliance—it's Kohli doubling down on legacy, blending his mental edge with tangible domestic buy-in.
### Broader Strokes: What This Means for Kohli, BCCI, and Indian Cricket
At 37, Kohli's fire remains unquenched: 53 ODI tons, a record broken in style, and eyes on more white-ball glory. Yet, this episode highlights the BCCI's tightening grip on player workloads, ensuring icons like Kohli don't drift into "experience-only" silos. Critics argue it's overreach—Kohli's IPL form and international hauls speak for themselves—but proponents see it as fostering depth, vital with the 2027 WC on home soil.
Fan reactions? Polarized on X, with #ViratForVijay trending: some hail the humility, others cry "board bullying." Ravi Shastri, ever the voice of reason, recently urged the BCCI to ease off "needling" seniors like Kohli and Rohit. As India eyes bilateral series and Champions Trophy prep, this could set a precedent—will other stars follow suit?
### Fan Playbook: Eyes on the Pitch
1. **Tune In**: Catch Kohli's domestic return on December 24—live on DD Sports or FanCode. Expect fireworks against Andhra's attack.
2. **Debate Fuel**: What's your take—mental prep king or domestic duty first? Hit the comments.
3. **Long Game**: Track Kohli's ODI stats; with 2027 looming, this could be his swansong chapter.
4. **BCCI Watch**: Monitor if similar mandates hit T20 leagues—balance is key.
From Ranchi highs to Delhi commitments, Kohli's arc reminds us: even kings adapt. As he said, "Everything else should take care of itself"—but sometimes, a board nudge helps.
Your thoughts? Team mental mastery or full grind? Drop below. Until next boundary, play on.
*Disclaimer: This is based on reports and not official statements. Cricket evolves fast—DYOR for updates. No betting advice here.*
