Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) recruit Liam Livingstone has opened up about his experience of sharing a dressing room with Virat Kohli, stating that the Indian superstar’s off-field persona is the complete opposite of his fierce on-field identity. Livingstone, who was part of the RCB squad during their title-winning campaign in 2025, indicated that Kohli has grown tired of the intense public scrutiny that has followed him for the better part of the last decade.
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Speaking on The Overlap Cricket YouTube channel, the England international detailed the sharp contrast between Kohli the competitor and Kohli the person.
“He was amazing. I’d always played against Virat, and he’s always laughing,” Livingstone said.
“If you want to have a go at someone, he’ll have a go back at you. But on the field, he’s ultra-competitive. As soon as he steps over that line, he’s a different person.” “But, on the field, he is a really nice, chill guy, loves spending time with his family. Very chilled out guy,” Livingstone added, reflecting on Kohli’s natural disposition.
“Almost like he doesn’t want that life, he lives in India. He doesn’t really want the eye on him all the time. He is a genuinely nice guy.”
Livingstone reiterated the intensity that defines Kohli’s professional output, adding, “When he gets out onto the pitch, he is the most competitive player I have seen.”
Kohli has made a conscious decision to maintain a low profile over the last few years. The former India captain primarily resides in London, having moved there with his family, including his wife Anushka Sharma and their children. He returns to India selectively for official cricket commitments, commercial engagements, and spiritual trips.
VIRAT KOHLI’s SWITCH
Beyond personal dynamics, Livingstone also credited the RCB team management for actively unlocking Kohli’s aggressive capabilities during the powerplay overs. Historically a firm believer in executing an anchor role in T20 cricket, Kohli shifted his blueprint from the 2024 season onward to play at a significantly higher tempo. During the recent 2026 IPL season, he accumulated 675 runs at a strike rate of 165.84, marking a substantial increase of 31 runs per hundred balls over his career rate. This intentional aggression saw Kohli taking higher risks against the field restrictions and attacking spin bowlers with greater frequency.
This tactical overhaul yielded major success, helping secure back-to-back IPL trophies for Bengaluru.
“Mo [Bobat] and Andy [Flower] went in and changed the way he played. They were brave enough to do that,” Livingstone revealed.
“They asked him to be a bit more aggressive, hit more sixes, and keep going with that aggression in the powerplay.” “You see the way he plays now in the powerplay, and he’s way more aggressive than he used to be. Even against spin, he’s playing more shots than he ever did,” Livingstone added.
Virat Kohli has reportedly been ruled out of the upcoming ODi series against Afghanistan, starting May 14. The former captain is expected to be back with the senior national team for their ODI series in England in July.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
