Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has provided sneak peek into the technical and mindset changes Virat Kohli made after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25 to regain his form.

Notably, Bangar was spotted working with Kohli after the Indian stalwart returned to his homeland in January this year following a tough tour of Australia.

Bangar revealed that Kohli increased his intensity, started watching each ball like a ‘hawk’ and adjusted his bat swing to play as late as possible.

Kohli’s form was a major topic of discussion ahead of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He managed to score only 190 runs across five Tests against Australia and drew flak for his frequent dismissals to outside the off-stump deliveries. Subsequently, the right-hander played two ODIs against England at home, registering scores of 5 and 52.

However, Kohli looked in fine touch as he slammed an unbeaten match-winning hundred (100 off 111) against arch-rivals Pakistan in India’s second Champions Trophy match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium last Sunday (February 23).

“He (Kohli) waited for the ball to come to him. He really wasn’t on the front foot all the time. He was willing to cover the infield as well. Against spin, what was good to see in the first half of his innings was that he was playing a lot off the back foot. Then once he got that confidence, he started coming forward. So, starting off the back foot and then gradually going on to the front foot was the plan," Bangar said on Star Sports.

“When Kohli was in form, his bat used to come from the second or third slip area, allowing him to play more controlled shots. He is a guy who leaves no stone unturned as far as preparation is concerned. He knew that he had to step up (after the Australia tour). He brought that intensity to his game, and one could see it in his body language," he added.

“What he did well was to watch the ball till the end, till it made contact with his bat. That’s something we discussed – to watch the ball like a hawk and give more than 100% to each delivery. He is hungry for runs and going by the innings he played (against Pakistan), he can easily play for another 3-4 years in international cricket," he further remarked.

Virat Kohli will look to carry his good form in India’s final group-stage match against New Zealand, scheduled for today (March 2) in Dubai.

Having defeated Bangladesh and Pakistan in their first two Group A matches, India have already qualified for the semi-final. Hence, the fixture against the Kiwis holds little value.