AB de Villiers, the South African cricket legend, has advised his former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) teammate Virat Kohli to refocus and avoid on-field confrontations as he seeks to regain his batting form. De Villiers shared his thoughts in a video posted on X, offering words of wisdom to the Indian star following Kohli’s underwhelming performance in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.

Advice for mental reset and focus

Kohli managed to score only 190 runs across five matches in the Test series, a far cry from his usual standards. Reflecting on Kohli’s struggles, de Villiers emphasized the importance of mental clarity and staying composed on the field.

“I think the key is to reset your mind every time,” De Villiers explained. “Virat loves the fight, but when you’re not in your best form, it’s better to step away from those distractions. As a batter, you need to focus on every single ball as an event and not get caught up in the bowler or the circumstances.”

De Villiers pointed out that Kohli’s competitive nature, which has been his greatest strength, might occasionally work against him. “Sometimes, Virat gets too involved in the battle on the field. He wants to show the entire nation that he’s there to fight for them, but it’s crucial to refocus after every ball. His skill, experience, and greatness are undeniable—it’s just about channeling them in the right way,” he said.

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On-field incidents and path for comeback

Kohli’s intense interactions during the fourth Test against Australia, including a collision with young Sam Konstas and a brief exchange with the Melbourne crowd, were widely discussed. De Villiers noted that such incidents, while reflective of Kohli’s fiery spirit, might not always serve him well when he’s looking to bounce back from a slump.

“Every batter in the world faces challenges and dismissals that keep recurring. For Virat, overcoming these requires immense character, hunger, and time spent honing his skills in the nets. But I believe he has what it takes to rise above this phase,” De Villiers concluded.

Kohli’s determination and passion for the game have made him a global icon, and fans will be eagerly awaiting his return to form in the upcoming fixtures. With advice from a trusted friend and cricketing great like De Villiers, Kohli’s resurgence may just be around the corner.

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