'Is Virat aggressive? No': S Sreesanth's candid take on Kohli's on-field demeanour ahead of ODI return

Former India's fast bowler and two-time World Cup-winner S. Sreesanth believes that Virat Kohli's intense on-field persona makes him the player he is. Sreesanth feels Kohli would not be the same player without the aggression. Sreesanth shared his perspective on Kohli's playing style, clarifying that he sees it as passion, not just aggression.

Virat Kohli's electrifying energy on the cricket field is something that fans have come to love and expect. His presence was noticeably absent during the recent Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, and supporters are eagerly anticipating his return for the upcoming One-Day Internationals. Since retiring from T20Is and Tests, opportunities to see Kohli's trademark intensity have become less frequent. While his aggressive style sometimes draws criticism from opponents, his teammates have a different perspective.

S Sreesanth on Virat Kohli's aggression

Sreesanth, who played alongside Kohli, believes that this aggressive approach is a key component of his success. Speaking on a podcast with commentator and singer Padamjeet Singh, Sreesanth shared his view on Kohli's on-field conduct, drawing a distinction between simple aggression and genuine passion for the game.

“He wouldn’t change anything. What others call aggression, I call it passion. Is Virat Kohli aggressive? No. I think he is obsessed. Virat’s aggression, people say, is a lot. I would say if he reduces that aggression, he won’t be the same player," Sreesanth said on Padamjeet Sehrawat’s YouTube channel.

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Kohli has already retired from both Test and T20I cricket, closing two significant chapters of his career. He ended his T20I journey after leading India to a T20 World Cup victory in the Caribbean last year. A few months later, he surprised the cricket world by announcing his retirement from Test cricket, the format he was most passionate about. While Kohli still intends to play One-Day Internationals for India, there are reports that the upcoming white-ball tour of Australia in October could be his last. India will first play a three-match ODI series against Australia, which will start from October 19. Then will then take on South Africa for the three-match ODI outing, which will get underway from November 30. Sources indicate that national selectors want both Kohli and Rohit Sharma to participate in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy if they wish to remain in contention in ODIs.

Kohli's most recent appearance for India was during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where the undefeated Indian team won the title by defeating New Zealand in the final at Dubai International Stadium.