New Delhi, September 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Virat Kohli has revealed that he has consciously moved away from the risk-averse approach that often saw him play the role of an anchor in ODIs, saying he now wants to bat with greater freedom and help India consistently target totals of 350 or more.
Kohli, who returns to the ODI side for India’s three-match series against the West Indies, said his change in mindset has been driven partly by his faith in the team’s deep batting lineup. The first ODI will be played in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27.
“What’s changed is, firstly, I promised myself that I’m going to play more freely. I’m not going to worry about the expectations that people might have around me,” Kohli told JioStar.
“My role had always been, for a long period of time, that I’m going to stabilise things. I know I can play; I know I can hit shots,” he added.
Kohli said the changing demands of modern ODI cricket require teams to be prepared to push beyond the 340-350 range.
“I’m very willing to take risks now because I know that if I make runs there, we’ll get 350–360 easily. And if I do that and play longer, then I can hit more at the end,” he said.
He added that the same freedom had helped his approach in the IPL, as he no longer worries excessively about the consequences of getting out because of his confidence in the players around him.
Kohli also differentiated between the demands of bilateral ODI cricket and a World Cup, saying the intensity of a 50-over World Cup is significantly greater because teams must maintain high levels of performance across a long tournament.
“I am placed very well today because of the work I have put in physically. I feel like I can sustain that kind of intensity for 10 games easily if I continue to keep working hard on my fitness,” he said.
The India batter also backed captain Shubman Gill, praising the young skipper’s tactical approach and willingness to use different field settings and bowling combinations.
“Shubman, the captain, is still learning. He is still young in the role, but he has got the right perspective and the right kind of intensity to lead the Indian team,” Kohli said.
He added that Gill’s decision-making would continue to improve with experience and said he could see him leading India “for a long time.”
India’s ODI squad for the West Indies series is led by Gill and includes Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja and maiden-call-up Naman Dhir. The three ODIs are scheduled for September 27 in Thiruvananthapuram, September 30 in Guwahati and October 3 in New Chandigarh.
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