IND vs SA first ODI: Dale Steyn lavishes praise on Kohli for retaining hunger on field despite age – Bns Sections.

Most sportsmen previous their prime are pleased to remain at house with their household and canine, however Virat Kohli at 37 nonetheless behaves like a spring rooster on the field, diving and working, like he “wants to be there,” South African pacer Dale Steyn says.

Despite retiring from T20s and Tests, Kohli has proven that his ODI sport stays unimpacted. The famous person, who turned 37 lately, scored his 52nd hundred within the first one-day in opposition to South Africa on Sunday (November 30, 2025).

“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 told JioStar on Sunday.

“He’s performed over 300 ODIs in 15–16 years, so the expertise is inside him. It’s in his physique and thoughts. Even if he arrived right here after three days of rain, it wouldn’t have affected his preparation. He’s mentally robust, visualises effectively, and may see the ball onto the bat. That’s what the most effective on this planet 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,” Steyn added.

Following his 83rd worldwide hundred, Kohli had spoken about his mindset and preparation at this stage of his profession.

“I have never been a believer of a lot of preparation. All my cricket has been mental. I work physically very hard, as long as my fitness levels are up and I am feeling well, it’s good,” stated Kohli.

“I’ve played 300-odd ODI games and so much cricket, if you’re in touch with the game and are able to hit balls in the practice, if you bat for an hour or two in the nets, you know you’re good,” he stated.