Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 27: Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina shared his thoughts on playing alongside star batter Virat Kohli, highlighting how much he enjoyed fielding with him due to Virat’s unmatched passion and unwavering winning mentality.
In an exclusive interview with Star Sports, Raina described Virat as someone who is always “switched on,” bringing intense focus to every aspect of his game. “His mindset is different. He’s a fantastic teammate to have in the dressing room. When he practices, he does so with the mentality of ‘we won’t leave until we die.’ His approach is all about determination,” Raina explained.
Raina further praised Virat’s approach to fielding, saying, “I really enjoyed fielding with him because his passion is contagious. When Virat’s in the mood for fielding and diving, it lifts everyone’s energy. He brings a different attitude, especially when things get tough. He’ll be the first to say, ‘Let’s fight, let’s do fielding.'”
Raina also pointed out the competitive spirit that both he and Virat share, particularly in their North Indian roots. “In North India, we cannot bear to lose. We don’t know how to lose. That’s the kind of attitude Virat has—he’s relentless,” he added.
In related news, Virat Kohli is set to train with the Delhi team ahead of his potential first Ranji Trophy appearance since 2012. According to ESPNcricinfo, Delhi coach Sarandeep Singh confirmed that Virat will join the squad for their upcoming match against Railways at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, starting January 30.
This marks a significant return to the domestic circuit for Virat, following the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) more assertive stance on the involvement of international players in domestic cricket. Recently, images and videos of Virat working with former India and Royal Challengers Bangalore batting coach Sanjay Bangar have circulated on social media.
The final round of the Ranji Trophy is scheduled to conclude on February 2, just days before India’s ODI series against England begins in Nagpur. Virat Kohli has accumulated 11,479 runs in 155 First-Class matches, with an average of 48.23 and a strike rate of 55.96.
However, Virat has been experiencing a decline in his Test performances since 2020. In 39 Tests since the start of that year, he has scored 2,028 runs at an average of 30.72, including three centuries and nine fifties. His best score during this period is 186.
In the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle, Virat finished with 751 runs in 14 matches at an average of 32.65, including two centuries and three fifties. Last year, in 10 Tests, he managed just 417 runs at an average of 24.52, with only one century and fifty to his name.