Virat Kohli Reflects on Challenges After Leaving Captaincy and Thanks Supportive Coaches

In a candid reflection, Virat Kohli discusses the challenges he faced after stepping down as India's cricket captain. He expresses heartfelt gratitude to coaches Rahul Dravid and Vikram Rathour for their pivotal role in helping him rediscover his love for the game. Kohli reveals how the pressures of leadership affected his performance and mental well-being, and how the support from his coaches allowed him to thrive again in 2023. This insightful account sheds light on the mental aspects of professional sports and the importance of a supportive environment.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 20, 2026, 02:04 IST

Kohli's Journey Post-Captaincy

Virat Kohli acknowledged the tough times he faced after resigning from his role as India's cricket captain, expressing deep gratitude towards Rahul Dravid and Vikram Rathour for helping him regain his passion for the game.

After stepping down in 2022, Kohli's performance dipped significantly, as he managed only 265 runs in six Test matches, averaging 26.5 with just one half-century.

Dravid, who assumed the role of head coach in November 2021 alongside batting coach Rathour, played a crucial role in reigniting Kohli's competitive spirit, offering support during his struggles.

Kohli shared, 'Once I stepped away from captaincy, I opened up more and confided in people like Rahul Bhai and Vikram Rathour. I had a fantastic run in Test cricket in 2023, and I always express my heartfelt thanks to them when we meet.'

He emphasized how their nurturing approach made him feel motivated to perform and enjoy the game again, stating, 'They really took care of me in a way that made me want to play for them.'

The former captain noted that both Dravid and Rathour understood the mental challenges he faced and helped him overcome them.

'Rahul Bhai has excelled in this area more than many in Test cricket. Vikram has been around for years, so they could relate to my feelings and provided significant mental support,' Kohli remarked.

He admitted that while he was managing his struggles, he didn't initially seek help, feeling capable of handling everything on his own.

Under Dravid's guidance, Kohli had a remarkable 2023, accumulating 671 runs in eight Tests at an average of 56, including two centuries and two fifties. However, he recognized that the pressures of captaincy had taken a toll on him without him realizing it.

'I found myself becoming the central figure in our batting lineup and leadership. I didn't grasp how much pressure these roles would impose on my daily life, as I was so focused on keeping Indian cricket at the top. By the time I stepped down, I was utterly drained and overwhelmed by it all,' Kohli explained.

He reflected on how the burden of expectations didn't affect him during his peak but became increasingly challenging as he moved past his prime.

'During my prime, my priority was to ensure the team's stability and prevent insecurity from creeping into the dressing room. I owe a lot to the management, especially Ravi Shastri and the team for that,' he added.

'However, when form fluctuates, those responsibilities can become heavy. It was indeed a tough period,' he concluded.