Not Tied Down to an Image: Sunil Gavaskar Explains Secret Behind Virat Kohli’s Remarkable Consistency

Sunil Gavaskar has offered a deep insight into what fuels Virat Kohli's incredible consistency, suggesting that the modern batting icon's biggest strength lies in freeing himself from public expectations.

Speaking on the broadcast following India's 1-2 ODI series loss to New Zealand, the legendary opener highlighted that Kohli's ability to adapt to any match scenario separates him from most other batters.

Kohli was India's standout performer in the series with 240 runs at an average of 80, including a superb 124 off 108 balls in Indore. With wickets falling around him and no other Indian batter passing 53, the former captain almost dragged India to an unlikely victory while chasing 338. It was his third century and fifth fifty-plus score in nine

matches since returning to international cricket in September.

Gavaskar explained that Kohli's flexibility and clarity of thought make him a rare breed. "The thing about him is that he's not tied down to an image," Gavaskar said. "A lot of batters, a lot of bowlers are tied down to an image. That this is the way, you know, they are perceived, and so they [think they] should stick to that. I don't think he is tied down to an image. He's tied down to the job at hand. "

Gavaskar further broke down Kohli's ability to shift gears seamlessly. "The job at hand is to score runs, maybe watchfully to start with, and then open out, or score bang-bang at the start and then spread the field and then look for the ones and twos. He's not tied down by any image, and that is the reason he is consistent. "

Kohli was dismissed late in the chase when he attempted to clear the boundary with the last recognised batter gone, eventually falling to Kristian Clarke. But even in that moment, Gavaskar saw a lesson for young players.

"Apart from his talent, of course, and temperament. He will watch it and do it, and he never gives up. He refuses to give up," Gavaskar said, adding that fatigue and sweaty gloves may have led to the mistimed shot.

"For me, this is the important thing to learn for any youngster - not to live up to an image, play the situation, and you will be more consistent than ever hoped for," he concluded.