'I'll Do It My Way': Virat Kohli's Perfect Reply Ended the Conversation—and the Criticism

Former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar has revealed how Virat Kohli once politely turned down his advice during a lean patch, only to bounce back in the very next match and prove why he remains one of cricket's great competitors.

Speaking on JioStar's Googlies, Nayar reflected on Kohli's unwavering self-belief while discussing India's preparations for the ODI series against England.

"I have an observation..."

Nayar recalled an interaction with Kohli during India's ODI tour of Australia, when the batter was going through a difficult run after consecutive ducks.

"I've known Virat for a really long time, but one thing I realised in the recent past is that the reason Virat Kohli is Virat Kohli is because of the belief systems he has. No matter what happens, that belief never changes."

"When Virat was struggling in Australia and had those two ducks in the ODI series, I'd just come out of the Indian team, so we were still in touch. I asked him if everything was okay and whether there was anything he wanted to talk about."

"He simply said, 'No, all good. It's part of the game.'"

Virat Kohli does it "my way"

Nayar then offered to share his thoughts, but Kohli chose to trust his own instincts.

"I then said, 'I have an observation. Do you want to hear it?' He smiled and replied, 'No, I'll do it my way.' I laughed."

"After the next game, I got the answer, 'I did it my way.'"

Nayar explains what makes Virat Kohli different

For Nayar, the episode summed up why Kohli has enjoyed sustained success at the highest level.

"For me, that is the hallmark of Virat Kohli. The great players know how to do it when the going gets tough. We can analyse, imagine and envision, but they've done it repeatedly at the highest level."

"That's why my respect for players like Virat and Rohit is so much."

Nayar urges measured approach with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Nayar also spoke about India's handling of teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi following a difficult T20I series.

"The most important thing is to evaluate where the kid is today and how he's feeling. As a young player, you're already conflicted that three games ago the whole world was excited about your batting, and suddenly everything seems to have changed."

"The support staff's response has to be measured. First, understand how he's feeling. Maybe the conversation isn't even about batting initially, but about life and what international cricket is."

"You don't want him to see it as a problem, but as a tactical challenge. Instead of telling him what to do, have a conversation. Let him explain what he felt in that moment and what he was trying to do."