Virat Kohli's Indomitable Will-Unraveling the 'Never-Say-Die' Mentality of His Game According to Suresh Raina

Virat Kohli is India's best cricket player. Since well over a decade, he has been the face of Indian cricket-a testament to tremendous performances and the utmost competitive spirit. Though Kohli was not really at his best in the recent past, former India cricketer Suresh Raina said the aggressive mindset and fiery passion Kohli brings onto the field will continue to remain his driving force as India sets its sights on the 2025 Champions Trophy. Having shared the same field with Kohli in the historic 2011 World Cup victory and the 2013 triumph over Champions Trophy, Raina is able to find an insight into Kohli's mind both in and out of the playing arena.

When Kohli underwent transformation from being a boy to becoming one of the big stars in the cricketing world, there were so many moments Raina witnessed him through. According to him, no cricketing personality is as aggressive in the game as Kohli is. According to Raina, Kohli has a mindset that sets him apart from most of the people in the dressing room. "His mindset is very different. He is a good teammate to have in the dressing room, but he is always on the switch," Raina said while speaking with Star Sports. According to Raina, Kohli is perfectly prepared for every situation arising during a match, both in practice and fielding. "Whenever the chips are down, he will be the first person to come and say, 'let's fight, let's do fielding,' said Raina describing how Kohli inspires his team during grim times.

This unwavering commitment to fight back even in difficult situations is something that has made Kohli a fan favorite and a respected figure in the Indian dressing room. Raina further elaborated that Kohli’s intensity is not just limited to batting but extends to every aspect of the game. He remembers the fielding sessions that they had, claiming Kohli's excitement is infectious and his approach definitely changes the attitude of the whole team. "I enjoyed fielding with him. His passion is very different. When he is in the mood for fielding and diving, everyone's attitude changes, said Raina adding how Kohli's drive to succeed rubbed off the people around him".

According to Raina, their common origin from Northern India, particularly from Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, helps create the fire in their attitude towards the game. "Us North Indians, we can't bear to lose. We don't know how to lose. We won't leave till we die. That's the kind of attitude he has," said Raina while appreciating the competitive nature that defines Kohli's character. It's in this refusing to give in at all costs and against all the odds that's been against him that Raina thinks lies within Kohli his character. And just this aggressive want keeps pushing Kohli for little bit extra because the player ever so searches in order to overcome himself.

Raina is very confident that Kohli will keep himself motivated and drive India to a third title in the Champions Trophy to be held in 2025. The fact that he frequently stands up in the biggest of occasions even with a lot of pressure mounts on adds to Raina's confidence in Kohli. This "never-say-die" attitude is going to prove all-important for India, who would love to clinch its third Champions Trophy title.

Kohli is likely to feature in Delhi's Ranji Trophy game against Railways the day before, and that should provide him with an opportunity to play so that he is fully ready for the real event. If Kohli does play in this match, it would be the first time that he is featuring in the Ranji trophy since more than 12 years-it is an occasion that many of the youngsters would look forward to, not just Kohli. His last Ranji game was back in November 2012 against Uttar Pradesh where Delhi were facing. This had an interesting facet as Raina was the skipper of Uttar Pradesh, underlining the longstanding friendly rivalry and affection between the two.

Kohli will always remain a fervent competitor and a man fervent to the success of his team, despite his recent lull in performances. Watching him, everyone in the cricketing fraternity has little doubt that Kohli will once again regain his feats to play a crucial role in India's quest for the Champions Trophy in 2025.