One of the previous Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has identified Indian cricket icons Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni as the most mentally resilient players he has ever met throughout his prolific career.
Watson on his part who has had a long and successful cricketing career himself pointed out that Kohli’s resilience is second to none, so is his intensity on the field. Recently, RCB’s right-handed batsman topped the runs tally in IPL 2024 with 741 runs.
“There’s maybe only a couple more people I’ve played with or against who had that unwavering intensity every moment of every game. That’s what we have seen about Virat in this IPL, just how engaged he is; he never backs off from being engaged. That keeps him performing at such high levels for so long,” added Watson.
In contrast, Australian former Indian skipper MS Dhoni was appreciate for approaching and playing cricket differently. Dhoni stands out because despite not having as high an intensity level as pieces such as those by Kohli, he can trust his own instincts and reduce any convolutions into easier terms. Even at 42 years old Dhoni remains a master tactician and has great leadership skills.
“But then you’ve got on the other side of the fence is MS Dhoni, who is totally opposite of that intensity from Virat. He doesn’t need to be like nine out of ten with his intensity level; he needs to be around six there. Even at 42 years old buddy still knows how to let your mind free enough to access those deeply ingrained skills”, complimented Watson again.
Additionally, Watson talked about mental adjustments that are essential when transitioning from IPL conditions into international competitions like Men’s T20 World Cup
Watson said “They are world class cricketers coming from an IPL, for example, but they will have to make some little adjustments to the conditions let’s say pitches that they are going to have to now adapt to. Even the weather, and a new team environment too. That’s where knowing these mental skills deeply, applying them into your who you are creating a really strong like bulletproof cocoon around you.”
Further Watson praised Australian skipper Pat Cummins for his leadership potential especially in developing an atmosphere where players can play their game without any fear of failure.
“He gives you the right information to be able to clear your mind so you can, and are getting the best chance of executing your skills. That’s what Pat Cummins does so incredibly well. The reason why in my mind, he’s had so much success is that it’s just natural which is who he is and how he is and he’s not trying to be someone else”, added compatriot of Cummins himself.
