Ravi Shastri Breaks Down Virat Kohli's ODI Mastery

March 9, 2025: In the latest episode of The ICC Review, Ravi Shastri, the former India coach, offered a detailed analysis of Virat Kohli's brilliance as an ODI batter ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final. Kohli’s ODI career is exceptional—14,180 runs at an average of 58.11, with a record-breaking 51 centuries—cementing his place as one of the best in the format.

Despite being 36 years old, Kohli has shown that he is far from finished, with standout performances in the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025. He scored a century against Pakistan and played a crucial role in India’s semi-final victory over Australia, showcasing glimpses of his prime.

Shastri, who had a successful working relationship with Kohli as coach and captain, shared insights into what makes Kohli the “undisputed king” of the 50-over game. He pointed to Kohli’s discipline and match awareness as key elements of his success. Shastri acknowledged that, in recent years, Kohli had tried to outdo himself at times, which led to minor setbacks. However, he is now back to basics—taking singles, playing grounded shots, and picking his moments to go big. This approach has helped Kohli remain dominant in ODI cricket, especially during chases, which Shastri believes is one of the hallmarks of the greatest ODI players.

Shastri also reflected on Kohli’s commitment to self-improvement, recalling an instance from the 2018 South Africa tour when Kohli, after being dismissed early in each innings, stayed back after play to refine his technique. This dedication paid off when he scored a brilliant 150 in the next Test.

In addition to his technical prowess, Shastri praised Kohli’s on-field energy, comparing it to other sports legends like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Novak Djokovic, and Rafael Nadal. Shastri emphasized how Kohli’s infectious energy has a magnetic effect on the team and fans alike.

Drawing comparisons to Sachin Tendulkar, Shastri highlighted the sacrifices both players have made to maintain their extraordinary careers. Kohli’s unwavering commitment to his craft, despite personal sacrifices, mirrors the discipline of cricketing icons like Tendulkar.

With the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand on the horizon, Kohli has a chance to add a second Champions Trophy to his already impressive collection, which includes the 2011 ICC World Cup, the 2013 Champions Trophy, and the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup. A victory this Sunday would further cement Kohli’s place as one of the game's all-time greats.