Liam Livingstone Discusses Virat Kohli's Life Choices and Competitive Spirit

In a recent discussion, Liam Livingstone shed light on Virat Kohli's preference for a quieter life away from the constant attention in India. Livingstone, who played alongside Kohli in the IPL, highlighted Kohli's ability to switch between being a competitive player on the field and a relaxed individual off it. Kohli's recent move to London with his family marks a significant shift in his lifestyle, as he balances his cricket commitments with a desire for privacy. Livingstone also touched upon the changes in Kohli's playing style under the guidance of RCB's coaching staff, emphasizing a more aggressive approach in his game.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 4, 2026, 22:31 IST

Kohli's Preference for Privacy

According to Liam Livingstone, an English cricketer and former player for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Virat Kohli seems to prefer a life away from the spotlight in India, where he often finds himself in the limelight. Livingstone, who played alongside Kohli during the 2025 Indian Premier League season, noted that Kohli has the ability to adapt his demeanor both on and off the cricket field. In February 2024, Kohli, along with his wife Anushka Sharma and their two children, made the move to London. Despite having family and several homes in India, he now spends a significant amount of time in the UK.

Livingstone on Kohli's Stardom Challenges

Liam Livingstone On Kohli's Struggle With Stardom

Livingstone remarked that Kohli's immense popularity often makes it challenging for Indian cricketers to enjoy their personal lives, as they are frequently surrounded by fans. He described Kohli as a remarkable individual, stating, "I’ve always played against Virat, and he’s always laughing. If you want to have a go at someone, he’ll have a go back at you. But on the field, he’s ultra-competitive. As soon as he steps over that line, he’s a different person. Off the field, he is a really nice, chill guy who loves spending time with his family. He seems to prefer not having the constant attention that comes with his fame. He is genuinely a nice guy, but once he’s on the pitch, he becomes the most competitive player I’ve ever seen."

Kohli's Low Profile and Recent Moves

In recent years, Kohli has consciously opted for a more subdued lifestyle. He has relocated to London with his family but still makes occasional trips back to India for business, religious events, and cricket commitments.

Livingstone on RCB's Transformation

Livingstone on RCB’s Rise

Livingstone, who currently plays for Sunrisers Hyderabad, has observed significant changes in the Royal Challengers Bengaluru under the guidance of head coach Andy Flower and director of cricket Mo Bobat. He shared insights on their approach to coaching Kohli, stating, "Mo and Andy went in and changed the way he played. They were brave enough to do that. They encouraged him to adopt a more aggressive style, hitting more sixes and maintaining that intensity during the power play. Now, you can see how he plays in the power play; he’s much more aggressive than before, even against spin, he’s taking more risks than he ever did."