Indian cricketing talisman Virat Kohli recently opened up about a tournament that made him feel nostalgic and took him back to his childhood days. Kohli, who is currently participating in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, had participated in the 2025/26 Vijay Hazare Trophy in December 2025, playing two games and scoring 131 in the first game against Andhra Pradesh, followed by a 77 against Gujarat. Relishing the moment, the 37-year-old recently revealed how the tournament made him feel like a child again.
Virat Kohli reflects on his Vijay Hazare Trophy experience
Kohli’s return to domestic cricket during the Vijay Hazare Trophy became one of the major talking points of India’s domestic season. Despite having achieved almost everything in international cricket, the veteran batter admitted that he initially wondered whether the tournament would motivate him enough after such a long career at the highest level.
However, according to Kohli, the moment he shifted his mindset and started focusing purely on his love for batting, the experience became refreshing and emotionally fulfilling.
"That's how I played Vijay Hazare as well. It was amazing," Virat Kohli said.
"There was not a person in the COE (Centre of Excellence). First, I thought, 'I've played for so long and will it be motivating enough?' But the moment my intention switched to 'I want to play because I love playing. I just love batting. And I just want to focus on that'."
The former India captain further explained that the simplicity of domestic cricket helped him reconnect with the pure joy of the sport.
"And I could not care. It's not like I didn't field. I fielded the whole game and I was diving around and I felt like a child again," he added.
Virat Kohli also emphasized that his focus now remains solely on enjoying the game without outside noise or unnecessary pressure influencing his mindset.
"I was like, this is not about anyone else. This is about me and the game and that's what it's going to be. And the moment I feel like people are trying to complicate it for me and be like, 'Oh, but this and that'...Either be clear, honest and upfront or be quiet and let me play," Kohli stated.
The RCB star has continued that momentum into IPL 2026, enjoying another prolific campaign with the bat while remaining one of the league’s standout performers.