AB de VilliersSouth African cricketer, has advised his former teammate Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Virat Kohli to refocus and avoid on-field conflicts as he seeks to regain his fighting form. De Villiers shared his thoughts in a video posted on X, offering words of wisdom to the Indian star following Kohli's poor performance in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
Tips for resetting the mind and focus
Kohli managed to score just 190 runs in five matches in the Test series, more than his usual tally. Reflecting on Kohli's struggles, de Villiers emphasized the need for mental clarity and consistency on the field.
“I think the key is to constantly reset your mind,” De Villiers explained. “Virat loves a fight, but when you're not feeling well, it's better to leave the distractions behind. As a batsman, you have to look at every ball as an event and not a catch by the bowler or the situation.”
De Villiers also said that Kohli's pace, which has been his greatest strength, can challenge him at times. “At times, Virat is involved in a battle on the field. He wants to show the world that he is there to fight for them, but it is important that he calms down after every ball. His skill, his ability and his greatness are undeniable—he is just guiding them in the right direction,” he said.
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Experience in the field is a way back
Kohli's great partnership in the fourth Test against Australia, including hitting with youngsters Konstas himself and a temporary exchange with the Melbourne teamthey talked a lot. De Villiers also said that incidents like this, while showing Kohli's fiery spirit, will not always help him as he tries to bounce back from the slump.
“Every batsman in the world faces challenges and dismissals that happen. For Virat, overcoming this requires a big man, hunger, and time spent developing his skills in the nets. But I believe he has what it takes to rise to this level,” De Villiers concluded.
Kohli's determination and passion for the game has made him a global icon, and fans are eagerly awaiting his return to form in the upcoming matches. With advice from a trusted friend and a good player like De Villiers, Kohli's resurgence could be just around the corner.