{
  "id": 10465817,
  "title": "The mindset shift Virat Kohli is talking about: ‘Promised myself…to play more freely’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/the-mindset-shift-virat-kohli-is-talking-about-promised-myself-to",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-28T14:30:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/feelings/virat-kohli-expectations-perform-best-promised-play-freely-10897481/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Virat Kohli, after reaching the pinnacle of success in Indian cricket across all formats, is now focusing on a new mindset when playing ODI cricket. In a candid conversation with Star Sports, the cricketer revealed that he promised himself he would play more freely and not worry about the expectations placed upon him. He explained that while he has always played to stabilize things, now he chooses not to take risks that could eventually hinder his ability to perform at his best.\n\nClinical psychologist Darshita from Mpower Aditya Birla Education Trust provides insight into Kohli's mindset shift. She explains that the change is not about caring less or lowering one's standards, but more about shifting the relationship with performance from outcome-focused to process-focused. This allows him to separate his effort from the pressure to constantly prove himself. From a psychological standpoint, this distinction is significant as constantly focusing on expected outcomes can detract from one's performance due to the additional cognitive and emotional load it creates.\n\nThe expert further highlights another shift happening in Kohli's mindset - moving from the mindset of \"I have to prove myself\" to \"I want to express what I can do.\" The first mindset is driven by evaluation, while the second is driven more by engagement. This shift reflects a deeper understanding of the difference between striving for perfection and striving for excellence. While striving for perfection often requires constant pressure, striving for excellence allows for a more relaxed approach.\n\nThe expert also emphasizes the role of experience and maturity in this psychological shift. As one gains experience, they come to recognize that while preparation and effort are within their control, the final outcome is not always entirely within their control. This recognition can create a sense of freedom and allow for more space to perform at one's best. In conclusion, Kohli's recent comments about letting go of expectations offer valuable insights into a common experience many people face, not just athletes, as they navigate their own paths to high performance.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Gulf News",
        "title": "Virat Kohli reaches another milestone in 1st ODI against West Indies",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/27/virat-kohli-reaches-another-milestone-in-1st-odi-against-west-indies",
        "published": "2026-09-27T15:12:03.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Press Journal",
        "title": "IND Vs WI 1st ODI: Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill Smash Centuries; Kuldeep Yadav 4-fer Hands India 8-Wicket Win",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/27/ind-vs-wi-1st-odi-virat-kohli-shubman-gill-smash-centuries-kuldeep",
        "published": "2026-09-27T16:07:27.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Indian Express",
        "title": "‘My focus has never really been on these milestones’: Virat Kohli",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/27/my-focus-has-never-really-been-on-these-milestones-virat-kohli",
        "published": "2026-09-27T16:35:08.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}