NEW DELHI: Most 38-year-olds might prefer the comforts of home, but Virat Kohli's dedication to cricket remains unparalleled, says former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn, following the Indian star's 52nd ODI century in the series opener against the Proteas.
Even after retiring from T20Is and Tests, Kohli has proven that his ODI prowess is as sharp as ever.
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"When you speak to most 37 or 38-year-olds, they say they hate leaving home, their dog, their kids. But he's in a place mentally where he's eager to be out there playing for India. You can see it when he's running between the wickets, fielding and diving. He's mentally young, fresh, and wants to be here," Steyn told JioStar.
"He's played over 300 ODIs in 15–16 years, so the experience is inside him. It's in his body and mind. Even if he arrived here after three days of rain, it wouldn't have affected his preparation. He's mentally strong, visualises well, and can see the ball onto the bat. That's what the best in the world do.
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"They back themselves because they've been out there so many times. A key thing he said is that he's excited about playing," Steyn added.
After scoring his 83rd international century, Kohli opened up about his mindset and approach to preparation at this stage of his career.
"I have never been a believer of a lot of preparation. All my cricket has been mental. I work physically very hard, as long as my fitness levels are up and I am feeling well, it's good," said Kohli.
"I've played 300-odd ODI games and so much cricket, if you're in touch with the game and are able to hit balls in the practice, if you bat for an hour or two in the nets, you know you're good," he said.
