Virat Kohli Reflects on the Burden of Captaincy

India’s cricketing legend, Virat Kohli, has shared his insights into the immense pressure of leading the national team, a role he held with distinction as one of the most successful Test captains in history. In a recent interview at the RCB Innovation Lab’s Indian Sports Summit, Kohli described the mental and physical exhaustion that eventually led him to step down from the captaincy between 2021 and 2022.

The Dual Responsibility of Captain and Batsman

Kohli, who led India to significant overseas Test victories and consistent performances in ICC tournaments, revealed how the dual role of being the team’s batting mainstay and leader became overwhelming. He admitted that the pressure of being the focal point of both the batting unit and leadership eventually drained him completely.

"I ended up being in a place where I became the focal point of our batting unit. And then I became the focal point of leadership. I didn’t realise how much of a load both those things will present in my daily life, to be honest. But because I was so driven and motivated to just make sure that Indian cricket stays on top, I didn’t really pay attention to it. And that’s precisely why by the time I left captaincy, I was completely spent. Like there was nothing left in the tank to give. And I was completely consumed by it. So, yes, it was gruesome," Kohli said.

Managing Expectations and Performance

During his captaincy, Kohli faced the challenge of balancing personal form with team results. He explained how expectations were always high, regardless of the outcome. If the team won but he didn’t score well, he was questioned about his performance. Conversely, if he performed well but the team lost, he was criticized for the results. This constant juggling act weighed heavily on him.

"It was difficult to manage expectations of, okay, if you win, you don’t score runs, then, you’re asked about your performances. And if you perform and you don’t win, you’re asked about the results. So I was always juggling between the two and trying to manage as best as I could," Kohli said.

Support from Dravid and Rathour

Despite the challenges, Kohli credited former India head coach Rahul Dravid and batting coach Vikram Rathour for their crucial support during a difficult phase in his Test career. After a period of struggle in 2021 and 2022, Kohli bounced back in 2023, scoring 671 runs in eight Tests at an average of 55.91. He expressed deep gratitude for the guidance and care they provided, which helped him regain his form and confidence.

"Rahul bhai and Vikram Rathour. I’ve said this many times. I had a great run in Test Cricket in 2023. Whenever I see them, whenever I meet them, I always thank them from the bottom of my heart. Because they really took care of me in a way that made me feel like… ‘I want to play for them. I want to perform. I want to go out there. I want to grind it out. I want to do the hard work for them’. Because they were so caring and nurturing. And they made me realise what I have done so far. Like, even if I go to the nets today, I feel at this stage, like these youngsters are watching. And if I have bad nets in the next session, they’re going to be like… ‘This is the guy who’s been playing for 20 years’. So that’s always at the back of your mind. Like, you have to keep up with your own standards."

Kohli further noted that both Dravid and Rathour understood the mental side of elite cricket and supported him during that period. Their experience and empathy helped him navigate through the toughest times in his career.

"So, they understood that. Because Rahul bhai, of course, has done that way better than a lot of people in Test Cricket at the highest level. Vikram Rathour has been around for so many years. So they understood what I was feeling. And they could relate to it. And they really took care of me mentally," he said.

Kohli’s reflections offer a rare glimpse into the immense pressure faced by elite athletes, particularly when shouldering both the captaincy and batting responsibilities. His journey from burnout to regaining form is a testament to the importance of mental resilience and supportive mentorship in sports.