India great Virat Kohli has opened up on the mental and physical toll of captaining the national side, saying he was 'completely spent' by the time he stepped down from leadership roles between 2021 and 2022. The former India skipper, who remains the country's most successful Test captain with 40 wins in 68 matches, said the demands of being both the batting mainstay and captain eventually drained him.
Speaking at the third edition of the RCB Innovation Lab's Indian Sports Summit on Tuesday, Kohli said: 'I ended up being in a place where I became the focal point of our batting unit. And then I became the focal point of leadership. I didn't realise how much of a load both those things will present in my daily life, to be honest. But because I was so driven and motivated to just make sure that Indian cricket stays on top, I didn't really pay attention to it. And that's precisely why by the time I left captaincy, I was completely spent. Like there was nothing left in the tank to give. And I was completely consumed by it. So, yes, it was gruesome.'
Kohli's captaincy tenure was marked by historic achievements, including India's first Test series win in Australia in 2018-19, a 2-1 lead in England in 2021, and consistent knockout appearances in ICC events like the 2017 Champions Trophy final and the 2019 ODI World Cup semi-final. However, the constant pressure of balancing personal form with team results took a heavy toll. 'It was difficult to manage expectations of, okay, if you win, you don't score runs, then, you're asked about your performances. And if you perform and you don't win, you're asked about the results. So I was always juggling between the two and trying to manage as best as I could,' he added.
Kohli's batting form also suffered during his captaincy's final years. After dominating Test cricket between 2016 and 2019, when he averaged over 50 each year, he endured a lean run in 2021 and 2022, averaging 28.21 and 26.5 respectively. The 37-year-old credited former head coach Rahul Dravid and former batting coach Vikram Rathour for helping him rediscover his rhythm. 'Rahul bhai and Vikram Rathour. I've said this many times. I had a great run in Test Cricket in 2023. Whenever I see them, whenever I meet them, I always thank them from the bottom of my heart. Because they really took care of me in a way that made me feel like… I want to play for them. I want to perform. I want to go out there. I want to grind it out. I want to do the hard work for them. Because they were so caring and nurturing. And they made me realise what I have done so far. Like, even if I go to the nets today, I feel at this stage, like these youngsters are watching. And if I have bad nets in the next session, they're going to be like… This is the guy who's been playing for 20 years. So that's always at the back of your mind. Like, you have to keep up with your own standards.'
Kohli added that both Dravid and Rathour understood the mental side of elite cricket and supported him during that period. 'So, they understood that. Because Rahul bhai, of course, has done that way better than a lot of people in Test Cricket at the highest level. Vikram Rathour has been around for so many years. So they understood what I was feeling. And they could relate to it. And they really took care of me mentally,' he said.
The mental and physical exhaustion Kohli described is a common theme among elite cricketers who have led their sides for prolonged periods. Former captains like Sourav Ganguly and MS Dhoni have also spoken about the pressures of leadership in a cricket-crazy nation like India, where every decision is scrutinised. Kohli's admission highlights the often invisible burden that comes with being the face of Indian cricket for nearly a decade.
Kohli stepped down as India's T20I captain in November 2021, followed by the ODI captaincy in December 2021, and finally the Test captaincy in January 2022 after a series loss to South Africa. His decision came as a surprise to many, but in hindsight, it was a necessary step for his mental well-being. Since then, Kohli has returned to his best form, scoring centuries at a prolific rate and playing a key role in India's recent successes.
His remarks also shed light on the unique challenge of being a batsman-captain. Unlike a bowler-captain who can rotate his bowlers and set fields while still contributing with the ball, a batsman-captain must switch between intense concentration at the crease and strategic decisions in the field. This dual responsibility can be mentally draining, especially during long tours and gruelling matches. Kohli's experience is a testament to the need for a support system that understands the psychological demands of captaincy.
In addition to his captaincy struggles, Kohli's career has been defined by his relentless pursuit of excellence. He is the only batsman to average over 50 in all three formats, with over 27,000 international runs and 80 centuries. His leadership style was aggressive and passionate, often pushing his team to perform beyond their limits. Yet, the very intensity that made him a great captain also contributed to his burnout.
The Indian sports ecosystem has started to take mental health more seriously in recent years, with players like Kohli, R Ashwin, and others speaking openly about their struggles. Cricket boards and franchise teams now employ sports psychologists and mental conditioning coaches to help players cope with pressure. Kohli's candid interview is likely to encourage further dialogue on the importance of mental well-being in elite sports.
Looking ahead, Kohli continues to be an integral part of the Indian team across all formats. His experience and form will be crucial in the upcoming tours and ICC events, including the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup. He has also been mentoring younger players, sharing insights from his journey to help them navigate the challenges of international cricket.
In summary, Kohli's revelation about the gruesome toll of captaincy provides a rare glimpse into the sacrifices behind the glitz and glamour of professional sport. It serves as a reminder that even the greatest players are human, and the demands of leadership can take a heavy toll if not managed properly. His gratitude towards Dravid and Rathour underscores the importance of a supportive environment in nurturing talent and sustaining excellence over a long career.
Source: Yahoo Sports News