Virat Kohli says he wants to enjoy every day on the field as career nears its end

NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli has said his passion for cricket continues to drive him, while acknowledging that his playing career will eventually come to an end, after returning to form with a match-winning century in the Indian Premier League.

The 37-year-old, widely regarded as one of the leading batters of his era, made the remarks after helping Royal Challengers Bengaluru secure an important victory on Wednesday. Kohli, who had come into the game after two successive ducks, struck an unbeaten 105 as the defending champions chased down a target of 193 against Kolkata Knight Riders with five balls remaining.

After the innings, Kohli said cricket remained central to his life and motivation.

Cricket is absolutely something that I truly love.

he said.

I just give my heart and soul out there on the field, whether I'm fielding or batting, because it's going to finish one day.

His latest hundred was his ninth in IPL history and his first of the current season. During the knock, he also became the quickest player to reach 14,000 runs in T20 cricket, getting there in 409 innings and surpassing Chris Gayle’s previous mark of 423.

Kohli has already stepped away from Test cricket and T20 internationals. Last year, he guided Bengaluru to their first IPL title on their 18th attempt. He also ended his T20 international career with a match-winning performance in India’s victory in the 2024 World Cup final in Barbados.

Back among the runs

Kohli’s 60-ball innings included 11 fours and three sixes. With that effort, he matched Jos Buttler’s record of three IPL centuries in successful run chases. Opening the batting, he got off the mark with a single in the first over and responded with a mock air punch after the back-to-back ducks in his previous two innings.

He reached his half-century in 32 balls before going on to complete his first hundred of the season. Kohli said he still takes deep satisfaction from batting and competing at the highest level.

I just love batting, even after all this. That is my core feeling.

he said after being named player of the match.

What an honour to be playing at this level, what an honour to be competing with the very best in the world still.

he added.

This is all I've done, all my life.

Kohli also said he wanted to make full use of his remaining time in the game.

I want to make the most of every day that I'm on the field, and just enjoy myself, and have a lot of fun.

he said.

Thriving under pressure

The former India captain said he relishes demanding situations and sees them as opportunities to test himself.

I look forward to a pressure situation, look forward to scenarios where I'm feeling a bit of heat.

he said.

Then I challenge myself to say, 'you know what, just go for it'.

he added.

And, when you cross the line, it makes you a better player. I just love hitting the ball in the middle of the bat. And that joy is still there.

Kohli is currently third in the batting charts this IPL season with 484 runs in 12 matches, including three fifties and one century, at an average of 53.77.

Known widely as King Kohli for his prolific scoring, he remains one of the most recognisable figures in Indian cricket. The India number 18 shirt associated with him continues to be the most popular item of merchandise seen at grounds across the country.