You doubted me?: R Ashwin decodes Virat Kohlis fiery celebrations, says legend is out to prove a point

NEW DELHI: A charged-up Virat Kohli is back, and Ravichandran Ashwin believes the batting icon has taken every whisper about his future “straight to the heart” — and is now batting with a point to prove. Kohlis animated celebrations after back-to-back hundreds against South Africa have gone viral, and Ashwin says they are no coincidence, but the manifestation of a mindset determined to silence doubt.

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Speaking on his YouTube show Ash Ki Baat, the former India off-spinner said Kohlis recent agreement to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy — a rare move for a player of his stature — shows just how deeply the chatter about becoming a one-format player might have affected him.

“Why is Virat celebrating like that? What is he thinking, what has he gone through?” Ashwin asked. “He loved Test cricket and wanted to play always, but he left… it was not only about his requirements. To leave the sport is a big decision.”

Ashwin hinted that Kohlis retirement from Test cricket and the intense scrutiny over his dip in form may have pushed the 37-year-old into a phase of fierce self-assertion. The turning point, he believes, may have been the communication around Kohlis willingness to play domestic 50-over cricket.

“Now he has agreed to play Vijay Hazare, so communication is happening. In many ways, he must have thought — are they doubting me?” Ashwin said. “He is a very competitive person… he must have taken it to heart. Maybe he is telling you now: ‘You doubted me? Now Ive shown what I can do.”

Calling Kohlis current technique “much lower in centre of gravity” and sharper than the last two years, Ashwin praised the renewed calm in his batting, mixed with ruthless intent.

“He looks in good space,” Ashwin added. “That centre of gravity is crucial in timing the ball and picking length right.”

Kohli has blasted 237 runs at 118.50 in this series alone and is a frontrunner for Player of the Series ahead of the Visakhapatnam decider on Saturday. His record there? A staggering 97.83 average with three centuries, making the city a fortress he could once again ignite.

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