Veteran Indian cricketer Virat Kohli recently opened up on his decision to play only one format and how the break that followed has revitalised him for the next phase of his career. Speaking ahead of India’s ODI series against Australia, Kohli reflected on his workload, his mindset and what staying in just the one format means for him.
Kohli pointed to the sheer volume of cricket he has played over the past decade and a half. “The amount of cricket I’ve played over the last 15‑20 years,” he said, “I’ve actually not rested at all, if that makes sense. I’ve probably played the most number of games in the last 15 years in international cricket, combining the IPL as well.” His candid admission underlines how modern cricketers juggle Test matches, one‑day internationals, T20s, franchise leagues and tours, often with little downtime between them.
That statement gains added significance given that Kohli has moved away from two formats. He retired from Test cricket earlier this year, and had already walked away from T20 internationals. With those changes, he is now focusing on the 50‑over game (ODIs) — and emphasising the importance of being fully engaged in that format. As he put it: “For me it was a very refreshing time off. I’m feeling as fit, if not fitter than I’ve ever been before.”
Kohli’s comment on rest and fitness also sheds light on the strategic dimension of his career planning. He acknowledged that game‑awareness, experience and mental preparedness come easier when you’ve played enough; what becomes crucial is ensuring the body keeps up. “At this stage I realised that if my body is fit and my reflexes are there, then the game awareness is already there,” he said. He added that knowing what to do on field helps, but physical preparation remains key.
By narrowing his focus to just one format, Kohli appears to be seeking longevity and impact rather than spreading himself too thin. The break from the other formats wasn’t enforced by poor form or lack of selection — rather, it seems a deliberate recalibration. With less format‑changing and fewer demands of adaptation, he can channel his craft into a single format where he feels he can still deliver at the highest level.
But the comment also comes with a note of humility. Despite all the runs, the records and the legacy, Kohli recognised that no matter how good your mental game becomes, your body must respond. His phrase “I’ve actually not rested at all” carries weight because it acknowledges the toll of a busy career. The “refreshing time off” was more than just physical — it was about mental regeneration, spending time with family and returning with fresh energy.
In the business of elite sport, where careers are often defined by peaks and declines, Kohli’s approach offers a template: pick your format, prioritise your body and mind, and aim to contribute at your best rather than simply accumulate matches. For fans and for the cricketing fraternity, it’s a reminder that even legends must manage themselves. For Kohli, the journey continues — but now with sharper focus, cleaned‑up calendar and a renewed sense of purpose.
As he laces up for the upcoming series, the message is clear: Virat Kohli may be playing only ODIs now, but he aims to do so with the intensity, freshness and hunger of someone just starting out.