Virat Kohli’s remarkable resurgence in ODI cricket has become one of the biggest storylines of India’s ongoing series against South Africa. After months of debate over his future across formats, the modern-day great has silenced every question with back-to-back centuries in Ranchi and Raipur. Yet, it wasn’t just the volume of runs that made headlines—it was the raw, emotional celebrations that followed.

Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has now decoded the deeper meaning behind Kohli’s reactions, suggesting they are rooted in recent criticism, inner battles, and the emotions surrounding his Test retirement. Kohli’s journey over the past year has been turbulent. A prolonged dip in Test form, combined with ongoing chatter about his place in the longest format, pushed the 37-year-old to announce his retirement from Test cricket earlier this year.

This came at a time when the BCCI mandated that senior players must participate in domestic tournaments to be eligible for selection. As a result, both Rohit Sharma and Kohli returned to the Ranji Trophy after nearly ten years—a move many believed was forced rather than voluntary. The narrative that the duo were nudged toward Test retirement continued to swirl.

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On the field, Kohli endured a brief slump, highlighted by two ducks in Australia, but responded with a determined 74 in Sydney. Still, it was the ODI series against South Africa that marked his full return to vintage form. With scores of 135 in Ranchi and 102 in Raipur, followed by another century in the same venue, Kohli has piled up 237 runs at a staggering average of 118.50. Heading into the decider at Visakhapatnam—a ground where he averages almost 98—Kohli remains the undisputed favourite for Player of the Series.

What truly caught fans’ attention, however, were Kohli’s energetic celebrations. The fist pumps, the leap in the air, the roar—it felt like a chapter from the earlier years of his career. According to Ashwin, these celebrations were not merely expressions of joy; they were statements.

“Why is Virat celebrating like that? What has he gone through?” Ravichandran Ashwin explained on his YouTube channel. “People forget that Virat retired from Test cricket. He loved the format, but the situation was no longer just about what he wanted. There was chatter about his lack of runs, questions about his place. We don’t know what he was dealing with internally. Leaving any part of the sport is a huge decision.”

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Ashwin highlighted that Kohli’s willingness to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy is an indicator of his competitiveness and hunger to prove he is far from done.

“He must have taken the doubts personally,” Ravichandran Ashwin added. “Now he seems to be saying—if you questioned me, here is the answer. His base is lower, balance stronger, and he looks mentally settled. That’s why the timing and shot selection are back.”

Kohli’s message is loud, clear, and unmistakably vintage: doubt him at your own risk.