Cricket, often viewed as a battle of physical prowess, hides within it stories of mental fortitude and spiritual depth. Recently, Team India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir and star player Virat Kohli shared a lesser-known aspect of their game: their spiritual practices that propel them into zones of peak performance.
When Virat Kohli Chanted ‘Om Namah Shivay’ And Gautam Gambhir Chanted ‘Hanuman Chalisa’ To Score Runs:
Kohli’s Mantra for Success
Virat Kohli, known globally for his aggressive cricketing style, revealed a spiritual technique during the 2014-15 Test series in Australia. Before facing each ball, Kohli chanted ‘Om Namah Shivay’, a mantra that not only calmed his mind but significantly boosted his focus. This practice contributed to a phenomenal series where he amassed 692 runs, including four centuries. “It was like every chant brought me closer to the zone where everything else faded away,” Kohli explained.
Gambhir’s Spiritual Innings
Similarly, Gautam Gambhir reminisced about his own experience with spirituality in cricket during the chat hosted by BCCI. He talked about his marathon 137-run innings in Napier, where he batted for over two days. “Listening to the Hanuman Chalisa was my anchor. It wasn’t just about staying at the crease; it was about being in a different mental space,” Gambhir shared. His focus was so intense that he barely communicated with his batting partner, showcasing a rare level of concentration.
The Zone Explained
Both cricketers discussed ‘the zone’, a mental state where athletes perform at their best almost effortlessly. Gambhir emphasized the scarcity of such experiences. “You don’t enter this zone often, but when you do, it’s transformative,” he noted, highlighting how these spiritual practices are not mere rituals but tools for achieving mental clarity and resilience.
Impact on Performance
The impact of these spiritual practices on their gameplay is undeniable. For Kohli, the mantra chanting was a gateway to consistency and scoring under pressure. For Gambhir, it was about endurance and resilience, turning potentially dire situations into legendary cricket moments. Their experiences underline a crucial aspect: sports psychology isn’t just about physical training but also about mental and spiritual preparation.
Beyond Cricket: A Universal Lesson
While their stories are rooted in cricket, the essence of what Gambhir and Kohli discuss transcends sports. It speaks to anyone striving for excellence in their field. The idea that spiritual or mental practices can significantly enhance performance is a powerful takeaway for professionals everywhere.
The candid conversation between Gambhir and Kohli not only offers fans a peek into their personal rituals but also highlights an often overlooked component of sports success. Their spiritual side doesn’t diminish their aggressive play; instead, it complements it, providing them with an edge that’s both unique and inspiring. Cricket, through their eyes, becomes not just a game but a spiritual journey where mantras and meditations pave the way to legendary performances.
