Virat Kohli's Relentless Pursuit of Improvement Continues, Praises Dinesh Karthik

Virat Kohli, despite his legendary status and age of 36, continues to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to improving his game, according to former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik. Karthik, now serving as a batting mentor for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), has observed Kohli's relentless efforts during IPL 2025 nets, highlighting his 'hunger' and continuous drive for betterment.

Kohli's Dedication Observed by Karthik

Karthik, who retired from RCB last year, has a unique perspective on Kohli's work ethic. He noted that even recently, Kohli expressed a desire to refine a particular shot during a net session. This dedication, Karthik believes, is a key factor in what makes Kohli a 'special player'. Kohli is currently in his 18th season with RCB and began the campaign with an unbeaten half-century against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), contributing to a seven-wicket victory for the team.

Karthik's Insights on Kohli's Form

Karthik emphasized that Kohli's current form is among the best he has seen in the IPL. He stated, “At this point in time, to work on one more shot tells you the hunger that he has in his mindset. He wants to just improve and keep raising the bar. So, he is a special player. And at this point in time, the way I see it, he is batting as confidently and as well as he has ever done in the IPL.”

Addressing Concerns About Spin and Kohli's Technique

RCB will face a significant test of their spin game when they play against Chennai Super Kings in Chepauk, known for its challenging, sluggish pitches. Kohli has historically struggled against spin bowling, particularly in the first half of the previous IPL season. However, subtle adjustments to his technique and mindset have enabled him to perform considerably better.

Karthik downplayed concerns regarding Kohli's ability to handle spin, stating, “He’s coming on some serious runs in the Champions Trophy. He’s batted well in the recent past against spin, especially in white-ball cricket.” He further added that Kohli's performance in crucial matches, such as the World Cup final and the Champions Trophy, demonstrates his ability to adapt and succeed against spin.

Key Takeaways:

• Continuous Improvement: Virat Kohli consistently seeks to refine his game, even at the peak of his career.
• Adaptability: Kohli has made subtle technical adjustments to overcome challenges against spin bowling.
• Confidence: Karthik believes Kohli is currently batting as confidently and effectively as he ever has in the IPL.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Has Virat Kohli always been this dedicated to improving his game?

A: According to Dinesh Karthik, Kohli's commitment to improvement has been a constant throughout his career, even at his current level of success.

Q: What specific changes has Kohli made to combat spin bowling?

A: While the specifics haven't been detailed, Karthik mentions subtle adjustments to Kohli's technique and mindset have contributed to his improved performance against spin.

Q: What is RCB's strategy for dealing with Chennai Super Kings' spin attack?

A: The article focuses on Kohli's form and doesn's delve into RCB's overall strategy against CSK's spin attack.