Ajinkya Rahane discusses Virat Kohli’s mindset as a white-ball chase master

By Sanjay Menon — 5 August 2026 — 4 min read

Ajinkya Rahane has offered insights into why Virat Kohli is considered a leading run-chaser in limited-overs cricket. According to Rahane, Kohli’s success stems from his mental approach during an innings, particularly his ability to maintain composure even when faced with high run rates or falling wickets. This perspective highlights Kohli’s calculated risk-taking and sharp game awareness as key factors.

Kohli’s record when batting second in one-day cricket is notable, consistently producing match-winning performances for India. He holds the record for the most centuries in successful ODI run chases, achieving three figures 22 times in victories while batting second. This surpasses other prominent batters, with Sachin Tendulkar having 14 centuries and Ricky Ponting eight in similar situations.

Kohli’s Mental Approach to Chasing

Rahane believes that Kohli’s primary strength is not just his technique but his strategic thinking during a chase. Speaking on the Stick to Cricket podcast, Rahane mentioned his attempts to understand Kohli’s secret, noting that Kohli does not readily reveal his methods. Rahane described Kohli’s calculations as “fearless at times,” emphasizing his understanding of when to take risks.

Former England captain Alastair Cook also commented on Kohli’s unique approach, observing his ability to take what appears to be a significant risk, which for Kohli, is not a risk at all. This suggests a deep understanding of game situations and his own capabilities. Kohli’s decision-making under pressure is seen as a distinguishing factor, allowing him to thrive in demanding chase scenarios over a span of more than fifteen years.

Kohli’s consistent performance in chases is further evidenced by his overall chasing average, which remains higher than his career average. This indicates that his success is not dependent on favorable conditions or weaker opposition but rather on his individual mental fortitude and grasp of the game.

Partnerships and Team Dynamics

Beyond individual performance, Rahane also reflected on his on-field relationship with Kohli, particularly in Test cricket. The duo formed numerous successful partnerships, scoring 3661 runs from 67 innings together. Rahane noted that their contrasting personalities—Kohli’s aggressive nature and Rahane’s calm demeanor—complemented each other effectively.

Rahane highlighted the importance of positive and frank communication between them during their partnerships. He recalled instances where they would discuss game situations and support each other’s decisions, such as Kohli’s desire to attack a specific bowler. Kohli himself has referred to Rahane as his favorite Test batting partner, acknowledging Rahane’s contributions to Indian cricket.

Their partnership statistics include an average of 56.32, with 10 century stands and 17 half-century stands, placing them among the top pairs in Test history. Rahane’s comments underscore the blend of individual skill and collaborative understanding that has defined Kohli’s impact on Indian cricket, particularly in high-pressure situations.

Rahane also discussed the transition in Indian cricket after MS Dhoni stepped down from Test captaincy in December 2014. He credited Kohli and Ravi Shastri with fostering a more aggressive mindset and cultural shift, especially in overseas matches. Rahane, who served as vice-captain under Kohli, observed that Kohli encouraged players to attack and play without fear, even from the first ball.

This aggressive approach, coupled with Kohli’s leadership, saw India rise to the number one spot in the ICC Test rankings within two years of Kohli taking over as captain in January 2015. The team maintained this top position for most of his tenure, which concluded in January 2022.

Rahane also recounted a run-out incident during the first Test against Australia in Adelaide in December 2020, where a miscommunication led to Kohli’s dismissal while batting on 74 runs in the first innings. This match saw India being bowled out for 36 runs in their second innings.

Kohli’s enjoyment of on-field rivalry was also mentioned by Rahane, who noted that Kohli would sometimes ask if he should engage in sledging with opponents, finding it fueled his performance. This aspect of Kohli’s personality further illustrates his intense and competitive approach to the game, contributing to his reputation as a formidable player.

The bond between Kohli and Rahane extended off the field, where they spent time discussing cricket, a practice Rahane noted is less common among players today. This close relationship and shared understanding contributed to their successful on-field collaborations.

Rahane’s insights provide a comprehensive view of Kohli’s multifaceted approach to cricket, encompassing his mental strength in white-ball chases, his aggressive yet calculated style, and his leadership in Test cricket.

Kohli’s influence on Indian cricket is evident through his records and the cultural shift he helped bring about, as highlighted by Rahane’s reflections on their time together.

The discussion on the Stick to Cricket podcast offered a detailed look into the dynamics that shaped Indian cricket during Kohli’s captaincy.

Source: sports.yahoo.com