Virat Kohli Credits Rahul Dravid for Pivotal Support During Lean Batting Phase

A Period of Transition and Reflection

The journey of a sporting icon is rarely a straight line, and for Virat Kohli, the period following his resignation from the Test captaincy was perhaps the most complex chapter of his illustrious career. The Delhi-born stalwart, who redefined Indian Test cricket with his aggressive leadership, found himself at a crossroads in early 2022. Having already stepped down from T20I captaincy in 2021, the subsequent transition in the white-ball setup and his eventual departure from the Test leadership role coincided with a rare and prolonged dry spell in his batting performance.

The Weight of Leadership and Mental Well-being

During the RCB Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit held in Bengaluru, Kohli offered a candid look into the psychological toll that leadership takes on an athlete. Stepping into the shoes of MS Dhoni, Kohli captained India in 68 Tests, securing 40 victories and establishing himself as one of the most successful leaders in the history of the format. However, the internal burden was immense. Kohli noted that while captaincy is a role designed to embrace challenges, it often shifts the focus entirely away from the individual’s own mental state.

“Captaincy is given to take on more challenges. The role of a leader is to manage and sometimes even coach. People who are playing with you and for you, one has to be in a mental state where the focus is on others rather than yourself. But no one was asking how I was doing during my captaincy stint,” Kohli admitted, highlighting the isolation that often accompanies high-pressure roles.

The Role of Mentorship: Rahul Dravid and Vikram Rathour

The turning point for Kohli during his three-year struggle to reach a triple-figure score on the international stage was not just technical adjustments, but the human support he received from the dressing room. Kohli was quick to credit former head coach Rahul Dravid and batting coach Vikram Rathour for their empathetic approach.

“I have always thanked Rahul Dravid and Vikram Rathour whenever I have met. They took good care of me, which gave me the chance to perform well,” Kohli shared during the event. He emphasized that because both Dravid and Rathour were experienced former international players, they possessed a unique understanding of the pressures a cricketer faces, which allowed them to nurture him effectively.

Restoring the Joy of the Game

The impact of this support system went beyond technical refinements. Kohli described how their guidance allowed him to reset his mental state, moving away from the suffocating pressure of statistics and expectations. By providing a safe environment, they helped him navigate a phase where cricket had become a source of stress rather than passion. “Their guidance and care helped me mentally, and I was in a space where cricket was enjoyable once more,” he added.

Reflecting on a Legacy

Today, as Kohli continues to influence matches with his bat, the transparency he displayed at the Bengaluru summit serves as a reminder of the human side of professional sports. His recovery from the slump and his eventual return to form were not solitary achievements; they were the results of professional mentorship, mutual respect, and a necessary recalibration of his priorities. By acknowledging the vital roles of Dravid and Rathour, Kohli underscores the importance of a supportive ecosystem in achieving sustained excellence on the global stage. His journey remains an inspiring narrative for athletes everywhere—that reaching out for support and acknowledging mental fatigue is a sign of strength, not weakness.