Virat Kohli’s Secret Pre-Batting Ritual Exposed: Perfume, Cream & Focus Before His 93* Masterclass

Virat Kohli's pre-batting routine goes viral - video

He’s rewriting record books, chasing down 300+ totals with ease, and now—his off-field quirks are captivating millions. During India’s thrilling win over New Zealand in the first ODI, Virat Kohli didn’t just deliver a match-winning 93 not out; he also inadvertently gave fans a rare glimpse into his intensely personal Virat Kohli pre-batting routine. A short video showing him applying cream, spritzing perfume, and meticulously adjusting his watch before walking out to bat has gone massively viral, sparking debates, memes, and admiration worldwide .

But this isn’t just about aesthetics or superstition. For Kohli—a player renowned for his mental discipline and preparation—every gesture is part of a finely tuned ritual designed to trigger focus, confidence, and flow. And on this day, it worked to perfection: he became the fastest player in history to reach 28,000 international runs and climbed to second on the all-time run-scorer list, trailing only Sachin Tendulkar .

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The Viral Moment: What Happened in the Dressing Room?

Captured by a broadcast camera during a break in play, the clip shows Kohli seated in the Indian dressing room just minutes before his innings. Calm and composed, he first applies a dab of moisturizer to his face, then sprays a light mist of cologne, and finally adjusts his luxury wristwatch—a signature accessory he’s worn in nearly every innings over the past decade.

The sequence, lasting less than 30 seconds, was shared by official broadcasters and instantly flooded social media. Within hours, it had millions of views, with hashtags like #KohliRoutine and #KingOfRituals trending across Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts .

Decoding the ‘Virat Kohli Pre-Batting Routine’

While it may seem eccentric to outsiders, sports psychologists say such rituals are deeply functional. Here’s what each step likely represents:

  • Moisturizer application: A tactile grounding technique. The physical sensation helps shift focus from external noise to internal readiness.
  • Perfume spray: Scent is powerfully linked to memory and mood. Kohli may associate his chosen fragrance with past successes, creating a psychological trigger for confidence.
  • Watch adjustment: Symbolic of time control and precision—core tenets of his batting philosophy. It’s also a consistent anchor point, a “last check” before entering the arena.

As Dr. Jim Afremow, a leading sports psychologist and author of The Champion’s Mind, explains: “Elite athletes use routines to create a sense of control in chaotic environments. It’s not superstition—it’s neuroscience” .

Why Rituals Matter in High-Stakes Cricket

Cricket is as much a mental game as a physical one. Facing 150 km/h deliveries under stadium lights with millions watching demands extreme cognitive control. Rituals act as “pre-performance cues” that signal the brain: *It’s time to switch on.*

Other legends have had their own trademarks:

  • Sachin Tendulkar always tapped his bat three times at the crease.
  • Steve Smith shuffles and fidgets to manage anxiety.
  • Rahul Dravid adjusted his gloves repeatedly to stay present.

Kohli’s dressing-room ritual is simply his version of this universal elite practice—refined over 15 years at the top.

Kohli’s Historic 28,000 Runs Milestone

Amid the buzz about his routine, the sheer magnitude of his achievement shouldn’t be overlooked. With his 93*, Kohli crossed 28,000 international runs (Tests, ODIs, T20Is combined) in just 594 innings—the fastest ever, beating Sachin Tendulkar by over 100 innings . He now sits second only to Tendulkar (34,357 runs) on the all-time list, with many predicting he’ll surpass that mark before retirement.

His innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression: 93 off 94 balls, laced with 8 fours and 2 sixes, anchoring India’s chase of 301 with poise and authority.

Fan Reactions and Social Media Frenzy

The internet had a field day. Memes showed Kohli spraying perfume on his bat, applying cream to his pads, and even gifting watches to teammates. Brands jumped in too—his endorsed skincare and watch companies saw spikes in engagement.

But beyond the humor, many fans expressed genuine awe. “It’s not vanity—it’s his armor,” tweeted one follower. “He’s turning self-care into a competitive edge,” wrote another. This blend of relatability and excellence is core to Kohli’s global appeal.

For more on how athletes use psychology to win, explore our feature on [INTERNAL_LINK:sports-psychology-secrets-of-elite-athletes].

How Aspiring Cricketers Can Build Their Own Routines

You don’t need luxury watches or designer cologne to benefit from pre-performance rituals. Experts recommend:

  1. Keep it consistent: Do the same actions in the same order before every innings.
  2. Make it sensory: Use touch, sound, or smell to anchor your focus.
  3. Keep it brief: 30–60 seconds is enough—longer routines can become distractions.
  4. Personalize it: Your ritual should feel authentic, not copied.

Conclusion: More Than Just Perfute and Cream

The viral Virat Kohli pre-batting routine is far more than a quirky habit—it’s a window into the mind of a champion who leaves nothing to chance. In a sport where milliseconds and millimeters decide matches, these small, deliberate acts are part of what separates greatness from mere talent. As Kohli continues his march toward cricketing immortality, his rituals remind us that peak performance is built on both discipline and detail.

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