Book Review: Think and Win Like Virat by Sfurti Sahare

I still remember spotting a tiny photo of a young Virat Kohli in the sports section of Navbharat Times when he must have been ten or eleven. There was something about that face — the confidence, the posture, the spark in the eyes — that made me think, “This boy will go far.” Watching him grow into one of the most consistent and focused players of this generation has been fascinating. So naturally, when I came across Think and Win Like Virat by Sfurti Sahare, I was curious. Would this book just be a fan tribute or would it dig deeper into what actually makes Virat tick?

The answer is clear: this isn’t a biography — it’s a mindset manual. And it works, not because it glorifies Kohli, but because it breaks down his mental process in a way that’s relatable, accessible, and oddly comforting. In just around 150 pages, the book gives you a roadmap for developing mental toughness, clarity, and the kind of inner discipline that sets winners apart.

Divided into five tight chapters, the book explores five pillars of personal success: consistency, goal-setting, flow state, resilience, and adaptability. These aren’t just vague motivational terms — they’re unpacked with intention. Sahare uses a mix of anecdotes from Kohli’s career and her own experiences to show how these principles play out in real life. You get match references, behind-the-scenes moments, interview quotes, and real reflections on both failure and grit.

The first chapter on consistency sets the tone. We often think of consistency as doing the same thing every day, but the book reframes it as showing up with intent and energy — even when you don’t feel like it. Kohli didn’t become Kohli overnight. The consistency he’s known for — his fitness, his focus, his form — comes from doing the unglamorous work on and off the field. Sahare reminds us that consistency is not about perfection, but about perseverance.

The goal-setting chapter was another standout. There’s something deeply refreshing about how Virat doesn’t just chase records — he chases progress. His goals aren’t tied to headlines but to his own evolution as a player. This is where the book gets genuinely actionable. Sahare introduces the concept of process-oriented goals, which focus on the how rather than the what. Instead of obsessing over outcomes, you build a system. You trust it. You stick with it. Whether you’re training for a marathon, working toward a promotion, or just trying to become more organised — this mindset applies.

Chapter three dives into the elusive flow state — that mental zone where everything clicks, distractions fall away, and you perform at your peak. We often think of this as something rare or accidental. But Sahare argues that flow can be cultivated. The routine, the rituals, the way Kohli prepares for matches — all of it is about getting into that zone. I appreciated how this section didn’t just describe flow as a concept but showed how preparation, routine, and mental cues contribute to it.

The fourth chapter on setbacks is probably the emotional heart of the book. We’ve all seen Virat get criticised — whether it was for a dry run of form, his aggression, or even personal life choices. But what makes him different is how he responds. Sahare shows us that the difference between people who grow and those who give up is often a matter of framing. Virat doesn’t just bounce back — he bounces forward. He lets setbacks sting, but never stop him. There’s a quiet strength in this approach, and Sahare’s writing really shines here — empathetic, precise, and clear.

The final chapter on adaptability brings it all together. Life, like sport, is unpredictable. There are new rules, new formats, new expectations. But instead of resisting change, Virat seems to thrive on it. His fitness transformation, his leadership evolution, even the way he re-centres himself after criticism — it all speaks to a deep understanding that growth requires change. That the goal is not to become unshakeable, but to learn how to bend without breaking.

One of the book’s strengths is how it feels like a conversation. Sahare doesn’t lecture. She shares. Her writing is warm, unpretentious, and quietly confident. You get the sense that she believes in what she’s saying because she’s lived it. The examples from her own journey make the advice feel even more grounded. There’s no attempt to sound overly polished or intellectual. It’s just real.

Each chapter ends with a quick recap — key takeaways — which makes it easy to revisit or reflect. This is a smart design choice, especially for readers who like to come back to their books or take notes. That said, there are a few repetitions — a couple of ideas get re-explained across chapters — and the formatting could have been tighter in places. But these are minor things in an otherwise impactful read.

What I really loved was how the book reminded me that greatness is not a mystery. It’s a choice. It’s not about having no fear, no failure, or no distractions. It’s about having systems, intentions, and mental frameworks that help you keep showing up. That belief, discipline, and effort — done consistently — can change everything.

My favourite lesson? That self-belief isn’t a feeling. It’s a decision. You don’t wait to feel confident. You act like someone who is. That’s a powerful reframe, especially in a world that keeps asking us to prove ourselves externally. Kohli’s journey shows us that it’s the internal work that matters more.

If you're someone who enjoys short, sharp reads that leave you with practical tools and a shot of motivation, this book delivers. It doesn’t try to be a deep dive into cricket strategy or a complex psychological analysis. It simply asks: what can we learn from how a champion thinks? And then answers it in the most straightforward, engaging way possible.

I’d recommend Think and Win Like Virat to anyone feeling stuck, or to young readers who are just beginning to explore self-development. It’s also a solid gift for teens who look up to Kohli — especially because it gently guides them toward mindset shifts without sounding preachy. If you’ve read a lot of self-help books, this might not offer completely new material — but the framing, the energy, and the clear takeaways make it a valuable addition to any personal growth shelf.

In the end, Think and Win Like Virat isn’t just about Virat Kohli. It’s about what we do with our choices, our routines, our setbacks, and our dreams. It’s about the daily decisions that quietly shape us. And it’s a reminder that excellence doesn’t come from magic — it comes from method. One day at a time.

A motivating, no-nonsense guide for building mental strength through discipline, resilience, and focused intention. Whether you're a cricket fan or not, there’s something to take away from this one.

Highly recommended especially for young adults, aspiring athletes, professionals at a crossroads, or anyone ready to start showing up for themselves — in small, consistent ways.

Think and Win Like Virat

Author: Sfurti Sahare

Publisher: Jaico Publishing House

Available at: Jaico Books and Amazon India