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Mohammad Kaif has heaped huge praise on Virat Kohli after the Indian batting superstar produced another stunning ODI performance against the West Indies. Virat Kohli smashed an unbeaten 139 off just 88 balls to help India successfully chase down a target of 296 runs in the first ODI.
The former Indian batter believes that Kohli’s Thiruvananthapuram performance is a big lesson for young cricketers. He felt the former India captain’s fitness, hunger, hard work, dedication, and consistency are something the youngsters must look into to learn. Earlier, Aakash Chopra calls Test retirement Virat Kohli’s best ODI decision.
Mohammad Kaif recalls Virat Kohli’s toughest phase
Mohammad Kaif recalled the tough phase Kohli went through during India’s tour of Australia, when he was dismissed for consecutive ducks. Questions were raised about the right-hander’s ability to continue playing at the highest level, with some even suggesting that he should retire.
But Kohli has responded to his critics with his stunning performances. In just 11 innings, the former Indian captain has scored more than 900 runs and smashed four centuries.
Kaif said in a video shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle: “I still remember when Virat Kohli was out for consecutive ducks twice in Australia; people started commenting that Virat Kohli can no longer do it and should retire. Since then, do you know what Virat Kohli has done? Since then, he has played 11 innings and scored over 900 runs, including four centuries—and I am talking about ODIs.”
Mohammad Kaif reveals why Virat Kohli’s Thiruvananthapuram ODI knock was even more special
These numbers are even more impressive because he has played only 11 ODI innings in an entire year, having retired from Test and T20I formats. Kaif further shared, “In one year, he played only 11 innings, which means about one match per month.
Normally, there aren’t so few matches. Despite playing just one match a month, and despite not playing Tests or T20Is, look at the way he batted in this match. He is known as a boundary hitter, but in this match, Kohli hit nine sixes.”
Kaif hails Virat Kohli's new avatar against West Indies
Kohli looked completely unstoppable against the West Indies. He remained unbeaten on 139 from only 88 deliveries, hitting 10 fours and a stunning nine sixes. This knock showed a more aggressive side of Kohli, and Kaif hailed the batting legend as this avatar.
Kohli is known for his consistency and ability to find boundaries, but he went after the bowlers with huge sixes and helped India complete the 296-run chase comfortably inside 42 overs. Amid this, Virat Kohli made a big Shubman Gill revelation after India’s 8-wicket win over West Indies.
The former Indian batter highlighted Kohli’s incredible IPL campaigns, where he helped RCB become back-to-back champions and won the Player of the Match award in both finals. Kaif said these performances show how strongly Kohli has responded to every challenge.
He said, “He has never done this before—this is something new, a new avatar that Virat Kohli has brought out. If your bat works, no one can touch you. Virat Kohli made up his mind about this.”
Mohammad Kaif reveals the biggest lesson young cricketers can learn from Virat Kohli
Kaif feels young players have plenty to learn from Kohli’s mindset and hard work. He noted that Kohli’s focus whenever he wears the blue India jersey has always remained clear.
He added, “Here, in ODIs, he scores runs in every match. He is doing a fantastic job. That is why I say, what can youth learn from him? Youth can learn fitness. Youth can learn hunger, dedication, penance, hard work, and how to maintain that standard.
Whenever he puts on the blue jersey for India, his ultimate goal is to remain not out and win the match. That is Virat Kohli. This is what you can learn from him. Many congratulations on reaching 15,000 runs—well done, Kohli, and all the best for the future.”
15k ODI runs for the King. His last 11 ODI scores are 74 n.o 135, 102, 65 n.o 93, 23, 124, 5, 65, 74, 139 n.o in this game. At the age of 37, he has been in the form of his life. Virat Kohli, what a player. pic.twitter.com/wnc82U6V1X
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) September 27, 2026
