What has Virat Kohli changed? R Ashwin decodes star batter's ODI dominance

NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli continued his rich vein of form, anchoring India’s chase with a polished knock of 93 off 91 deliveries as the hosts overhauled a 301-run target to secure a four-wicket victory and go 1-0 up in the three-match ODI series.

Batting with trademark composure, Kohli once again controlled the tempo and ensured India stayed on course throughout the chase.The innings marked Kohli’s seventh successive fifty-plus score in ODI cricket since making his return in October last year, underlining his remarkable consistency in the format.

Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was full of praise for Kohli’s approach, highlighting the mental clarity that has defined the star batter’s recent performances.

According to Ashwin, Kohli appears liberated at the crease, batting with a blend of youthful freedom and seasoned experience."It looks like nothing is going on in his mind. You asked me what he has changed-he hasn't changed anything; he is just not thinking about anything. He made a decision that he just wants to enjoy his cricket. It seems like he is playing with the attitude of batting in his childhood, combined with the experience of so many years," said Ashwin on his YouTube channel.

Ashwin also reserved special mention for Shreyas Iyer, who marked his return to international cricket after a lengthy injury layoff with a vital contribution. Iyer had been sidelined for months due to a spleen laceration but showed no signs of rust, scoring 49 off 47 balls and forging an important partnership with Kohli.Reflecting on Iyer’s body of work in the 50-over format, Ashwin described him as one of India’s most reliable performers in ODIs, even while acknowledging the unusual nature of his dismissal."We know that Shreyas has been Mr. Consistent for India in ODI cricket. His dismissal was very unlike Shreyas; he never leaves the game like this-he generally finishes it. But it is very understandable; he is making a comeback, and that was a good ball by Jamieson," he added.The second ODI of the series will be played on Wednesday at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot.