'I remember when his...' - Former batter reveals real reason behind Virat Kohli's intensified focus and discipline on cricket

Shikhar Dhawan praises Virat Kohli’s mindset transformation, saying the star batter’s focus and discipline have grown even stronger following the Asia Cup 2025.

Virat Kohli (Image | ICC on X)

Virat Kohli has long been celebrated for his unmatched dedication to cricket, but former teammate Shikhar Dhawan believes the batting icon has taken his intensity to another level after the Asia Cup 2025. In a recent conversation, Dhawan spoke about how Kohli’s focus, discipline, and determination have only deepened with time, proving why he continues to be one of the most consistent players in modern cricket.

Dhawan reflected on his years of sharing the dressing room with Kohli, describing him as someone who has always been driven. However, he noted that after the Asia Cup 2025, there was a visible shift in Kohli’s outlook. His training sessions became sharper, his routines even more structured, and his seriousness toward preparation grew to new heights. For Dhawan, this evolution highlights the hunger of a player who refuses to rest on past success.

The former India opener also pointed out that Kohli’s discipline is not confined to batting. From diet to recovery, Kohli has built a lifestyle that supports peak performance. Dhawan suggested that this relentless pursuit of excellence has not only set a benchmark for younger cricketers but has also inspired veterans to rethink their own methods of preparation.

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“When Virat was young, around 16-17 years old, he was a bit soft-spoken. When he came and was with me, since I was the senior, he was with me. At that time, he was focused on food and then on the field, he wanted to play and score runs. He had a clear idea of his game and was always hungry for success. I feel that unfortunately, when his father passed away, his zeal was already there, but his seriousness increased even more. Even on the day his father passed away, he came to play a match and scored 95 runs, I remember that match clearly because I was there. After that, he never looked back,” said Dhawan on Raj Shamani's podcast.

The Making of a relentless professional

Kohli’s transformation, Dhawan explained, is a combination of maturity, life experiences, and his competitive mindset. Over the years, Kohli has become a master of channeling personal challenges into motivation. According to Dhawan, this resilience allows him to bounce back from setbacks quickly, keeping his focus firmly on future opportunities rather than dwelling on missed ones.

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What impresses Dhawan most is Kohli’s ability to balance his natural aggression with a calculated approach. He has evolved from being a fiery youngster into a seasoned professional who knows when to take risks and when to play patiently. This adaptability, coupled with his unmatched fitness standards, makes him a cricketer who is always prepared for high-pressure situations.

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