Ajinkya Rahane on Virat Kohli’s mindset as a top white-ball chaser

By Rohan Gupta — 5 August 2026 — 3 min read

Ajinkya Rahane has shed light on what makes Virat Kohli a master at chasing targets in white-ball cricket, attributing his success to his mental approach during an innings. Kohli is widely recognized for his ability to guide India to victory in pressure situations during limited-overs matches.

Rahane noted that Kohli maintains composure even when the required run rate escalates or wickets fall. His acute game awareness and precise timing in deciding when to attack are key factors, making him a dependable batter in ODI and T20I cricket. Kohli’s statistics when batting second are distinct in one-day cricket history, consistently delivering match-winning performances for India.

Kohli holds the record for the most centuries in successful ODI run chases, having reached three figures 22 times in victories while batting second. This achievement surpasses other notable batters, with Sachin Tendulkar recording 14 hundreds and former Australia captain Ricky Ponting achieving eight in winning chases.

Kohli’s Approach to Chasing

Rahane emphasized that Kohli’s primary strength lies not just in his technique but in his thought process during a chase. Speaking on the Stick to Cricket podcast, Rahane mentioned his attempts to understand the secret behind Kohli’s consistent success, though without a definitive answer from Kohli himself.

Rahane described Kohli’s approach as having a “fearless calculation,” highlighting his ability to discern when to take risks. Former England captain Alastair Cook also commended Kohli’s unique method, noting his capacity to take calculated risks that appear significant but are well within his control.

The consistency of Kohli’s chasing record is particularly noteworthy, spanning over fifteen years. He has maintained high performance levels that many other batters find challenging to sustain. The mental demands of chasing targets, which can affect most players, seem to be a driving force for Kohli.

Kohli’s average in all chases, not exclusively winning ones, remains notably higher than his career average. This suggests that his effectiveness in chases is not dependent on favourable conditions or weaker opposition, but rather stems from his mental fortitude and understanding of the game.

Partnerships and Team Impact

Beyond his individual chasing prowess, Virat Kohli has also been a significant partner in Test cricket. Ajinkya Rahane reflected on his bond with Kohli, noting their successful partnerships in Test matches. The pair scored 3661 runs together from 67 innings in Test cricket.

Rahane explained that their contrasting styles complemented each other well, with Kohli’s aggressive nature balancing Rahane’s calm approach. This dynamic fostered positive and frank communication, which Rahane believes was crucial for their partnerships.

Kohli himself has referred to Rahane as his favourite Test batting partner. After Rahane’s retirement from international cricket, Kohli shared a message on X, congratulating him on his career and acknowledging his contributions to Indian cricket, particularly his reliable fielding and batting partnership.

Rahane also discussed the impact Kohli and Ravi Shastri had on Indian cricket after MS Dhoni stepped down from Test captaincy. As vice-captain under Kohli’s leadership, Rahane witnessed a transformation towards a more aggressive mindset, especially in overseas matches. Kohli encouraged players to attack and play without fear, fostering a culture of risk-taking.

Their on-field relationship was marked by mutual encouragement. Rahane recalled instances where Kohli would seek his opinion on engaging with opponents, and Rahane would support his aggressive stance. The pair also spent significant time off the field discussing cricket, further strengthening their bond.

Statistically, their partnership in Test cricket yielded 3,661 runs from 67 innings, with an average of 56.32, including 10 century stands and 17 half-century stands. This places them among the top pairs in Test history for runs scored.

Rahane also recalled a run-out incident during the first Test against Australia in Adelaide in December 2020, where Kohli was run out due to a miscommunication between them. India was subsequently bowled out for 36 runs in the second innings of that match.

Source: sports.yahoo.com