Virat Kohli confirms he will play only one format:Ends speculations over Test comeback, says he relies more on mental preparation

In the first ODI played in Ranchi, India defeated South Africa by 17 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Virat Kohli, who played a brilliant innings of 135 runs in the match, said after the game that he would continue to focus on only one format. Kohli has already retired from T20 and Test cricket. After India’s 0-2 defeat in the two-match Test series against South Africa, there were many speculations about his return to Test cricket. But after playing an innings of 135 runs in the first ODI in Ranchi, Kohli made it clear that he would only focus on the ODI format. He was also the Player of the Match in this game. Also Read | Fan breaches security to touch Virat Kohli’s feet after hundred, top moments from IND-SA 1st ODI Kohli said – My preparation is now completely mental After the match, Virat said: “I’ve never been a big believer of a lot of preparation, if that makes sense. All my cricket has been mental. As long as I feel mentally I can play the game, I work physically very hard every day of my life. It’s got nothing to do with cricket anymore. It’s the way I live.” “Yes, that’s how it’s always going to be. I’m just playing one form of the game,” he added. He said – I wanted to enjoy my game Kohli said about the Ranchi innings, “It’s just me and the ball coming at me and just enjoy the game of cricket, which was the very reason I started playing this game. So, it was just about staying in the space of enjoyment and, of course, when you get a start and you get into the situation, then you know what you’ve done over so many years and the experience kicks in and then you understand the situation and able to build an innings.” Also Read | Virat Kohli breaks Sachin Tendulkar’s record during Ranchi innings Batting Coach Says – No Question on Virat’s Future Team India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said that looking at Virat Kohli’s fitness and form, there is no need to question his future. In a press conference, Kotak said, “It was a fantastic innings. He took responsibility and batted brilliantly. Both his fitness and form are excellent. There is no question about the 2027 World Cup.” He also said that the team management is focusing on the present rather than discussing the future, and both Rohit and Virat are important for the team, and both are sharing their experience on the field and guiding young players. India defeated South Africa by 17 runs India defeated South Africa by 17 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. After a brilliant century knock by Virat Kohli (135 runs), excellent bowling by fast bowler Harshit Rana (3 wickets) and wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav (4 wickets) ensured India’s victory. Kohli hit 11 fours and 7 sixes in his 120-ball innings and laid a strong foundation for India’s big score with a crucial 136-run partnership for the second wicket with Rohit Sharma (57 runs, 51 balls). On the batting-friendly pitch of JSCA Stadium, India posted a massive total of 349 runs for 8 wickets. Acting captain KL Rahul played a useful innings of 60 runs off 56 balls, while Ravindra Jadeja played a crucial role in making the score competitive by quickly adding 32 runs off 20 balls at the end.