Even at 37, Virat Kohli continues to perform at the highest level. The batting superstar enjoyed another outstanding Indian Premier League (IPL) season, finishing as Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s highest run-scorer with 675 runs, his best-ever tally in a single IPL campaign.
Now, Kohli has revealed one of the biggest sources of motivation before stepping onto the field. During an event in New Delhi, he shared that Punjabi singer Karan Aujla’s popular track Winning Speech is a song he regularly listens to before matches.
More importantly, the song reminds him of his late father and the struggles that shaped his journey.
Why ‘Winning Speech’ Means So Much to Virat Kohli
Virat made the revelation while appearing alongside Karan Aujla during the global premiere event of One8 in New Delhi.
Speaking about the singer, Kohli said he had admired Aujla’s music long before they became friends.
He praised the artist for writing songs that come straight from personal experiences.
“The one track I resonate with the most is Winning Speech,” Kohli said.
He explained that the lyrics reflect Aujla’s own life journey, something that closely matches his own experiences.
Song Reminds Kohli of His Late Father
Kohli became emotional while explaining why the song has such a deep personal connection.
He said both he and Karan Aujla experienced the pain of losing their fathers at a young age. Because of that shared experience, the song carries special meaning for him.
“I also lost my dad when I was pretty young. So, that song is quite special for me. I have heard it often before going to play matches,” Kohli shared.
The former India captain has spoken several times in the past about how his father played a crucial role in shaping his cricket career and inspiring him to pursue his dreams.
Virat Kohli Shares His Winning Mentality
During the conversation, Kohli also explained the mindset that has helped him deliver match-winning performances throughout his career.
He said he enjoys situations where everyone believes the match is already lost.
Instead of accepting defeat, he sees those moments as opportunities to create something special.
“I always crave situations where people have assumed the match is gone, and then we somehow manage to pull it back,” Kohli said.
According to him, he has carried this attitude since childhood and has never stopped believing until the final ball is bowled.
Melbourne’s Knock Against Pakistan Still Special
While discussing unforgettable moments, Kohli recalled India’s famous victory against Pakistan at the 2022 T20 World Cup in Melbourne.
He revealed that he was later told India’s chances of winning had fallen to just three percent during the chase.
However, he never allowed those numbers to influence his thinking.
“Even one percent is enough. If there’s a chance, there’s a chance. You are never really done until you lose the game,” Kohli said.
That remarkable innings remains one of the greatest knocks of his international career.
Kohli Wants One8 Commune to Outgrow Him
Apart from cricket, Kohli also spoke about his long-term vision for One8 Commune, his lifestyle and hospitality brand.
He said his dream is for the brand to become so successful that people eventually stop associating it with him.
According to Kohli, the biggest achievement would be seeing the brand build its own identity over the next two decades.
“It would make me the proudest if nobody cared who started it. The brand should outgrow all of us,” he said.
He added that he would love for future generations to know One8 Commune for its own success rather than because of his name.
Virat Kohli Continues to Inspire On and Off the Field
Whether it is through his performances on the cricket field or his personal stories off it, Virat Kohli continues to inspire millions of fans.
His emotional connection with Karan Aujla’s winning speech highlights the importance of family, resilience, and perseverance. At the same time, his never-give-up attitude remains one of the defining qualities behind his legendary career.