Former India captain Virat Kohli has shared that Punjabi singer Karan Aujla’s song Winning Speech plays an important role in his pre-match preparation. Speaking at the One8 global event alongside Aujla, Kohli explained that the track resonates with his personal journey and the challenges he has faced throughout his life.
The cricketer said the song’s themes of perseverance and overcoming adversity have made it especially meaningful to him.
Kohli Opens Up About His Connection to ‘Winning Speech’
During the One8 global event, Kohli spoke about the emotional impact Aujla’s music has had on him and highlighted Winning Speech as the song he relates to the most.
Addressing the singer directly, Kohli said:
“You write songs from the heart. The one I resonate with most is Winning Speech because it probably captures the journey you’ve gone through. I can see similarities with my own journey as well. I lost my dad when I was pretty young too, so that song is quite special for me. I’ve often listened to it before going out to play matches.”
The former India skipper noted that the song reflects experiences of hardship and determination, qualities that align closely with his own life story.
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A Song Linked to Personal Loss and Resilience
Kohli explained that his connection with Winning Speech stems partly from the parallels he sees between the song’s message and his personal experiences.
He referred to losing his father at a young age and said the track serves as a reminder of resilience and the ability to move forward through difficult circumstances.
For him, the song represents more than entertainment, becoming a source of motivation and reflection before stepping onto the cricket field.
Music’s Role in Kohli’s Match Preparation
Known for emphasizing both mental strength and physical fitness, Kohli said music plays a significant role in helping him prepare for high-pressure situations.
According to the cricketer, Winning Speech has become a regular part of his routine before matches, helping him maintain focus, manage emotions, and enter the game with a composed mindset.
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Kohli Reflects on Handling Pressure in Cricket
Beyond discussing music, Kohli also spoke about his mindset when facing challenging moments in cricket.
During the event, he looked back at India’s memorable victory against Pakistan in the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Melbourne.
The batting star said he never considers a match finished until the final moment and believes in constantly searching for opportunities to turn the game around, regardless of the situation.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s remarks at the One8 global event offered a glimpse into the personal inspirations behind his preparation as an elite athlete. By revealing the importance of Karan Aujla’s Winning Speech in his pre-match routine, Kohli highlighted how music, personal experiences, and mental conditioning continue to influence his approach to cricket and competition.

