He showed up, chatted, and won everyone over. He picked his words with care, took his time to think through the questions thrown at him by Isa Guha, and knocked every metaphorical question out of the park with the flair that’s been his trademark for over fifteen years.

This was as close as you could get to seeing Virat Kohli completely relaxed and in his element. It was the grand finale of the two-day RCB Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit; from the moment Saturday kicked off, everyone kept sneaking glances at their watches, eager for the clock to strike 4:00 PM.

Kohli strolled in about half an hour before that, looking sharp yet casual, fully aware that all eyes were on him – something he’s gotten used to over the years. He entered the summit hall to a roaring applause and spoke on a range of topics, radiating a sense of calm and tranquility that Guha, the former England cricketer turned commentator, captured perfectly, reflecting the feelings of the packed audience.

On the field, he can still be a bit of a firecracker, but he mentioned he’s trying to tone down his outward expressions without losing his competitive edge. “It’s happening naturally for me, it’s just mellowing out on its own,” he said, quickly adding, “My competitiveness hasn’t faded. For many, it’s hard to understand how you can maintain the same level of competitiveness without showing aggression. You can still be mentally aggressive without needing to express it outwardly every time you feel frustrated, which I’ve done.”

Recently, he admitted that he doesn't feel great about some past incidents, like the shoulder charge on Australian debutant Sam Konstas during the Boxing Day Test at the MCG last December.

He shared some pretty eye-opening insights, like how he’s taken a near-complete break from social media. He’s also being selective about the brands he partners with, ensuring they align with his personality and values. Initially, he aimed to be the fittest version of himself, but it became a must-have when he took on the role of Indian captain. He also talked about his definitive retirement from T20 Internationals, though he joked about possibly “sneaking in” for a match if India reaches the Olympic Games final in Los Angeles in 2028, where T20 cricket will make its debut.

Kohli’s blend of caution and philosophy isn’t new. He pointed out that recency bias might make him think that his latest tour of Australia was the most disappointing, especially after starting strong with a century in the first Test. “I might not get another chance to tour Australia in four years,” he said, adding, “I don’t know. I can’t change what’s happened. You have to find peace with your past.”

That word—peace—was a recurring theme as he spoke about the importance of family, his mother’s disappointment when he stopped eating paranthas over a decade ago to change his diet and lifestyle, and how he’s uncertain about life after retirement but is okay with it, accepting that whatever happens, happens.

An energized Kohli

Anyone who has kept even a casual eye on Kohli's journey over the past few years shouldn't be shocked by his recent comments or the way he delivered them. He’s always been true to himself, articulate, and never had trouble voicing his thoughts. While he’ll still show his fierce competitive side on the cricket field—snarling, swearing, and getting fired up—his expressiveness is likely to take a backseat as he grows more mature and self-aware.

About two and a half years ago, Kohli mentioned the ‘fake intensity’ that had seeped into his game due to his relentless drive to keep playing. Now, he’s found that intensity again in a more natural way. At 36, he’s fit and eager, making him even more formidable, especially with his heightened self-awareness. Looks like we might be in for an exciting couple of years ahead!

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