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"38-year-olds hate leaving home": Steyn in awe of Virat Kohli's hunger and fitness at 37

Akshita Patel

Steyn praises Virat Kohli for fitness [Source: @mufaddal_vohra, @Werries_/X.com]Steyn praises Virat Kohli for fitness [Source: @mufaddal_vohra, @Werries_/X.com]

In the first ODI against South Africa at Ranchi, Virat Kohli smashed a brilliant century to lead India to victory. It was his 52nd ODI hundred, and Kohli’s fitness levels left Dale Steyn in complete awe.

Since Kohli retired from the T20I and Test formats, many questioned whether he is physically and mentally capable of surviving in just one format.

However, the 37-year-old shut his critics up in style with a vintage century in Ranchi.

Dale Steyn reacts to the relentless drive of Virat Kohli

Meanwhile, former South African fast bowler Dale Steyn was left stunned by Kohli’s energy and commitment on the field. 

Speaking after the match on JioHotstar, Steyn said most people in their late 30s would prefer staying at home with family, resting and taking life slowly. 

But Virat Kohli, he said, looks like a man who is eager to be in the middle, chasing the ball, diving on the ground, and running hard between the wickets.

"When you speak to most 37 or 38-year-olds, they say they hate leaving home, their dog, their kids. But he (Virat) is in a place mentally where he's eager to be out there playing for India. You can see it when he’s running between the wickets, fielding and diving. He's mentally young, fresh, and wants to be here,” Steyn said.

According to Steyn, what makes Kohli special is not just his talent but also his mindset. Even after playing international cricket for more than 15 years and featuring in over 300 ODIs, his hunger to perform has not dropped. 

"He’s played over 300 ODIs in 15–16 years, so the experience is inside him. It’s in his body and mind. Even if he arrived here after three days of rain, it wouldn’t have affected his preparation. He’s mentally strong, visualises well, and can see the ball onto the bat," he added.

Steyn pointed out that Virat Kohli is mentally fresh and fully focused on the game, which is why he continues to deliver match-winning performances.

"That’s what the best in the world do. They back themselves because they’ve been out there so many times. A key thing he said is that he’s excited about playing."

Virat Kohli led India to a 17-run victory

India edged South Africa by 17 runs in a thrilling first ODI at Ranchi. Batting first, India posted 349/8, powered by Virat Kohli’s magnificent 135 off 120 balls, his 52nd ODI century, along with useful knocks from Rohit Sharma (57) and KL Rahul (60). 

South Africa fought hard in the chase after Marco Jansen (70) and Matthew Breetzke (72) forged a partnership and stayed in the hunt till the end. But Kuldeep Yadav’s key wickets and disciplined bowling in the final overs sealed the win for India, giving them a 1-0 lead in the series.