IND vs BAN: Gautam Gambhir reveals Virat Kohli’s 'Om Namah Shivay' chant in Australia 2014-15
Xtra Time Web Desk: In a candid interview for the Indian cricket board (BCCI), India head coach Gautam Gambhir and former captain Virat Kohli reflected on their cricketing journeys, delving into their memorable performances and personal rituals that fueled their success.
During the discussion, Gambhir shed light on an intriguing aspect of Kohli’s sensational form during India’s 2014-15 Test tour of Australia. Kohli, renowned for his remarkable 692 runs in the series, including four centuries across four Tests, shared that he chanted the 'Om Namah Shivay' mantra before each delivery he faced. This ritual, he explained, was a crucial part of his focus and performance during what was a defining series in his career.
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Gambhir, who was deeply impressed by Kohli’s success, recounted a similar personal experience from his own career. He highlighted his match-saving knock in the Test against New Zealand in Napier in 2009, where he batted for two-and-a-half days. Gambhir revealed that during that epic innings, he found solace and concentration through listening to the 'Hanuman Chalisa', a devotional hymn. He described how the chant and the hymn helped him stay in a ‘divine zone’, enabling him to defy New Zealand’s formidable total and save the Test for India.
Gambhir and Kohli’s conversation also touched upon the mindset required for such extraordinary performances. Kohli questioned Gambhir about his mental state during his double century against Australia in New Delhi in 2008. In response, Gambhir highlighted the significance of mental preparation and ritualistic focus, echoing Kohli’s sentiments about finding one’s zone in the game.
The 2014-15 Australia series remains a landmark in Kohli’s career, not just for his runs but also for his leadership, as he took over the captaincy from MS Dhoni midway through the series. Despite India losing the series 2-0, Kohli’s fighting spirit and stellar performances were a testament to his resilience and skill.
Gambhir’s innings in Napier, where he scored 137 from 436 deliveries, was equally historic. His stubborn resistance on a good batting strip in Napier prevented New Zealand from securing a victory despite their first-innings score of 619 and India’s initial total of 305.
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This revealing exchange between Gambhir and Kohli provides a fascinating glimpse into the personal rituals and mental fortitude that have driven some of the most memorable performances in Indian cricket history.
