March 16, 2025: Star India batter Virat Kohli has been known for his fierce on-field persona, but over the years, he has made efforts to evolve into a calmer presence. Speaking at the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Kohli reflected on how he’s managed the balance between his aggressive and calm personalities, acknowledging that both sides of him have attracted attention and controversy.
Virat, who has been a dominant force in international cricket, has had an intense approach to the game, often displaying his passion through fiery celebrations and on-field confrontations. However, recent changes to his demeanor have raised questions from the public, with some fans and critics commenting on his more composed behavior. Kohli opened up about these observations, expressing that the shift towards a calmer mindset had been natural and that he was learning how to manage it.
“It is naturally kind of getting tapered down again,” Kohli said, referring to his on-field aggression. “People are not happy about that either. I do not know what to do, to be honest. Earlier, my aggression was a problem, now my calmness is a problem. It is like, I have no idea what needs to be done, that is why I do not focus on it much,” he added, emphasizing that he does not let external opinions affect his game too much.
Despite the noticeable shift in Kohli’s behavior, he clarified that his competitiveness has remained as strong as ever. He mentioned that his intensity is still present in his mindset, but he no longer feels the need to express it outwardly as frequently. He explained, “My competitiveness has not gone down. So, I think for a lot of people, it is very difficult to process how is the competitiveness going to be at the same level if the aggression is not. You can still be aggressive in your mind, but you do not necessarily need to express it out there every now and then out of frustration.”
Kohli’s fiery celebrations and emotional outbursts have always been tied to his passion for the game, as he wants to help his team win and showcase his genuine care for the team’s success. “The kind of person I am, the kind of personality I have, yes, I do have tendencies to kind of go overboard. And I’ve never shied away from that. But the starting point is, okay, sometimes it might not have gone out with the right intent, but more often than not, the starting point has been of care,” he said.
Despite his efforts to dial down the aggression, Kohli acknowledged that moments of frustration still arise. He admitted that there are instances where he feels like he could have handled situations better, stating, “I don’t feel great about those things myself.”
In terms of recent performances, Kohli has continued to be a key player for India, contributing significantly in the ICC Champions Trophy, where he was the team’s second-highest run-getter with 218 runs in five matches. He also played an integral part in the team’s victory against arch-rivals Pakistan and in their successful semifinal run against Australia.
As Kohli prepares for the upcoming IPL 2025 season with RCB, he will be looking to lead his team to their maiden IPL title while also eyeing more batting records. Kohli, who holds the record for most runs in IPL history with 8,004 runs, finished last season with the Orange Cap for most runs—741 runs at an average of 61.75 and an impressive strike rate of 154.69. RCB will face the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the tournament opener on March 22 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Kohli’s ability to adapt to his environment and evolve as a player will be crucial for his leadership and performance in the IPL 2025 season, as he strives to balance his competitive edge with a calm presence.