'He's back to doing what he does best': Ravi Shastri hails Virat Kohli

Former India coach Ravi Shastri provided a detailed analysis of Virat Kohli's ODI batting prowess on The ICC Review ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final.
Kohli has amassed 14,180 runs in ODIs at an average of 58.11, including a record 51 centuries, establishing himself as a dominant force in the format.
At 36, Kohli continues to perform exceptionally in the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025, scoring a century against Pakistan and leading another successful chase against Australia in the semi-final.
Shastri, who shared a successful partnership with Kohli as coach and captain, discussed the factors that make him excel in the 50-over format on The ICC Review with host Sanjana Ganesan.
"His discipline, his awareness of match situations (are what sets him apart). I thought he tried to get ahead of himself in the last three or four years, where he was trying to outdo what he's good at and sometimes, it can catch up on you," Shastri told host Sanjana Ganesan as quoted by ICC.
"But he's back to what he does best, which is take the singles, hit the ball along the ground, if necessary, go for the big one. Some of the greatest players who played the one-day game, especially in the chase, are guys who can do that. When you pick up singles with ease, there's no pressure. And then when you have another guy at the other end, someone like Shreyas (Iyer) who comes and smacks it, it takes the pressure off, it becomes still easier," Shastri added.
Kohli's success in ODIs stems from his dedication to improving his game. During India's 2018 tour of South Africa, after early dismissals in Cape Town, he spent an extra hour practicing after play.
His commitment paid off in the next Test at Centurion, where he scored 150 runs.
Shastri highlighted Kohli's energetic presence on the field and his constant engagement in the game.
"You know people (like to) watch sport when they watch a sportsman with energy. Whether his name is (Cristiano) Ronaldo or it's (Lionel) Messi or whether it's a (Novak) Djokovic or whether it's (Rafael) Nadal, that energy that they bring in - there's a certain kind of charisma and it rubs off on other people. They want to watch this guy play."
Shastri drew parallels between Kohli and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar regarding their personal sacrifices.
"It just goes to show the amount of sacrifice an individual makes. I saw that with Tendulkar, loved his food, loves to do things that the other boys wanted to do, but said no."