Veteran Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane has provided a clear perspective on Virat Kohli’s much-debated on-field persona, saying that what is often perceived as arrogance is, in reality, a deep-rooted passion for the game and an unrelenting desire to improve. Rahane, who alongside Kohli was part of India’s leadership core across formats, believes that Kohli’s attitude has frequently been misunderstood.
"However much we talk about Virat Kohli is never enough. But I have seen him very closely, how he goes about his batting. We talk about his passion and his intent each and every time. But I feel what stands out is his attitude - the attitude of learning, the attitude of never giving up. People outside think Virat is arrogant, but he is not. He gets into the zone," Rahane said on Cricbuzz.
Having spent several years sharing the Indian dressing room with Kohli, Rahane’s observations come from long-standing professional camaraderie.
"I saw him two days before the game. He'll hardly talk to people, even to his teammates. That's what actually gets him into the zone. He'll always wear his AirPods or try and listen to whatever he wants to and what he likes to get into the zone."
"Initially, it took all the players a little bit of time - why is he doing that? But then I got to know that he's actually getting into the zone by not talking to the players or anyone," he added.