In a rare moment of vulnerability, Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli left England’s Jos Buttler stunned during a candid conversation in the IPL 2023 season, admitting that even he sometimes feels like he “doesn’t know how to play.”
A Masterclass in Humility and Mental Strength
Speaking on the For the Love of Cricket podcast with Stuart Broad, Buttler revealed how Kohli’s honesty helped him cope with the pressure of expectations following his own stellar 2022 IPL season.
“He said, ‘Maybe that one season was the best I’ll ever have. I need to accept that and not try to replicate it. I’m putting unnecessary pressure on myself. It’s okay,’” Buttler recalled.
But what truly shocked the England star was Kohli’s admission:
“Sometimes I pick up my bat and feel like I don’t know how to play,” Kohli told him.
Kohli’s Vulnerability Inspires Fellow Cricketers
Buttler, who scored 868 runs in IPL 2022, said the conversation reshaped his understanding of performance pressure. He praised Kohli’s generosity and insight, calling the IPL “the best cricket academy in the world” for the opportunity it provides to learn from legends.
A Lesson in Mental Resilience
Kohli’s openness about his insecurities underscores the mental challenges even elite athletes face. His words have resonated across the cricketing world, offering a powerful reminder that self-doubt is universal—even for the greatest of players.
