Virat Kohli is one of the most celebrated cricketers in the world. His achievements and relevance in world cricket show how impactful he has been across formats. Be it explosive batting in one-day games or wall-like performance in test cricket or leading his team from the front in IPL, Virat has been excellent. However, the legendary player has a few things in common with other pioneers of their respective fields. Along with discipline, dedication, passion, and hunger for continuous improvement, Kohli also spends time on reading books.
We all know how insanely Kohli is dedicated towards his fitness regime. The world talks about his consistency and efforts for physical fitness as well as mental toughness. People discuss how he transformed completely from a young talent to an all-time legend. However, reading has been equally transformative for Virat along with his fitness routines.
Let us go through some of the books that Virat has seldom mentioned that helped him grow in his life as well as his career.
Virat Kohli’s Reading List at a Glance
| S. No. | Book Title | Author(s) | Core Theme / Focus |
| 1 | Autobiography of a Yogi | Paramahansa Yogananda | Spiritual wisdom & self-realization |
| 2 | Detox Your Ego | Steven Sylvester | Ego management & leadership clarity |
| 3 | There’s Something in the Air | Lorenzo Angeloni & Maria Elettera Verroni | Cross-cultural mindset & global perspectives |
| 4 | Hit Refresh | Satya Nadella | Leadership, technology & personal reinvention |
| 5 | Open | André Agassi | Resilience, vulnerability & sporting life |
| 6 | Easier Said Than Done | Alan Wilkins | Perseverance & cricket leadership |
| 7 | The Winner’s Mindset | Shane Watson | Mental toughness & performance under pressure |
| 8 | The Secret | Rhonda Byrne | Law of attraction & positive mindset framing |
1. Autobiography of a Yogi – Paramahansa Yogananda
When Virat Kohli speaks about books that shaped his inner world, Autobiography of a Yogi finds a special mention. This timeless classic, written by Paramahansa Yogananda, is not just a book—it is a spiritual journey. It takes readers through the life of a mystic who devoted himself to self-realisation, meditation, and the deeper meaning of existence. For someone like Kohli, constantly under pressure on and off the field, the teachings of Yogananda offered perspective beyond cricket.
What makes this book impactful is the way it bridges the gap between the physical and the spiritual. Kohli, who has often credited mindfulness and balance as core parts of his routine, drew from this text a sense of calmness and grounding. It helped him embrace challenges not as burdens but as opportunities for growth.
The key insight for Kohli was learning that success is not only about runs and records but also about inner peace. The Autobiography of a Yogi reminded him to connect with something greater than himself, to channel energy inwards, and to play the game with purpose rather than fear. It is this balance that makes his journey on the pitch so inspiring. You can also know about Virat Kohli biography.
2. Detox Your Ego – Steven Sylvester
Ego is often seen as the hidden enemy of growth, especially in competitive arenas like sports. Detox Your Ego by Steven Sylvester dives deep into this idea, showing how ego-driven decisions can block progress, limit potential, and harm relationships. For Virat Kohli, who has always been known for his aggressive personality, this book became a mirror and a guide.
It is a general issue with passionate people that their aggression is often misunderstood with arrogance. However, it is just an outcome of their passion for their job. Also, at the peak of success, it is easy to believe the world revolves around personal achievements. But Kohli realized that leadership demanded more than individual brilliance—it required humility, empathy, and the ability to put the team first. Sylvester’s book highlighted how true confidence comes not from feeding the ego, but from letting go of it.
The lessons resonated strongly with Kohli’s own transformation as captain. He learned to channel aggression into passion, to celebrate teammates’ performances with the same energy as his own, and to lead with maturity rather than pride. For him, Detox Your Ego was not about suppressing identity but about refining it—keeping ambition alive without allowing arrogance to take control. It offered him the clarity to see beyond himself and embrace leadership that is authentic, balanced, and deeply inspiring.
3. There’s Something in the Air – Lorenzo Angeloni & Maria Elettera Verroni
There’s Something in the Air is not the typical book one would expect on a cricketer’s shelf, yet it found a place in Virat Kohli’s reading list for good reason. Written by Lorenzo Angeloni and Maria Elettera Verroni, the book explores the beauty of cross-cultural exchanges and the importance of embracing diversity. It is a celebration of how different worlds, ideas, and people connect to create something richer and more meaningful.
For Kohli, who has travelled extensively and played cricket in every corner of the globe, this message felt personal. Being exposed to different cultures has not only shaped him as an athlete but also as a human being. The book reminded him that respect, openness, and adaptability are as important off the field as they are during a tense match.
This perspective helped him understand teammates from varied backgrounds and connect with fans worldwide. It also reinforced his belief that learning never stops, and every culture has something unique to teach. For Kohli, There’s Something in the Air was more than a read—it was an affirmation of the mindset he carries: to remain curious, open-hearted, and willing to grow through every experience.
Related Read: Virat Kohli Family – Father, Mother, Siblings, Wife & Kids
4. Hit Refresh – Satya Nadella
Hit Refresh by Satya Nadella is a story of transformation—personal, professional, and organisational. Nadella, who led Microsoft through one of its most defining phases, writes about the power of empathy, adaptability, and the courage to reinvent oneself. For Virat Kohli, the themes of this book deeply echoed his own journey as a leader.
Kohli has often spoken about the importance of staying relevant and constantly evolving. Just as Nadella guided Microsoft into a new era, Kohli understood that leading a cricket team meant inspiring people to think beyond the old ways and embrace fresh energy. This book gave him insights into leadership that balances vision with compassion. It is an example of how an achiever can guide a path for another achiever. It is a testament to mutual respect also.
What struck him most was Nadella’s emphasis on humility—recognising that leadership is not about control but about empowering others. For Kohli, this was a powerful reminder to trust his teammates, to encourage young players, and to lead with humanity. Hit Refresh offered him a lens to see leadership not as authority, but as responsibility—a lesson he carried into his captaincy and beyond.
5. Open – André Agassi
Few sports autobiographies are as raw and honest as André Agassi’s Open. It takes readers behind the glamour of tennis to reveal the struggles, insecurities, and relentless battles of an athlete’s life. When talks about this book, he discusses insights beyond the achievements of André on the Tennis court. More than a book, it was a reflection of the resilience needed to survive at the top.
Agassi spoke openly about pressure, self-doubt, and the constant need to prove himself. Kohli could relate deeply to these emotions, having lived under the spotlight since his teenage years. What inspired him was Agassi’s ability to rise despite failures and personal battles, turning vulnerability into strength.
The book reminded Kohli that resilience is not about hiding weakness but about accepting it, learning from it, and moving forward with greater purpose. It reaffirmed his belief that every struggle has meaning, and every setback is a step toward growth. Open became a source of strength for him, especially during phases when he faced criticism, proving that greatness often comes from enduring the toughest trials.
6. Easier Said Than Done – Alan Wilkins
This is one of the most popular self-motivation books in the world. Many leaders from different walks of life have mentioned this book on various occasions. Alan Wilkins’ Easier Said Than Done is a fascinating blend of cricket, commentary, and the pursuit of perseverance. The book dives into stories of challenges faced both on the field and in life, reminding readers that real success comes from resilience, not shortcuts. For Virat Kohli, who has faced immense scrutiny throughout his career, this book struck a meaningful chord.
Kohli often emphasizes that cricket is as much a test of character as it is of skill. Wilkins’ narrative reinforced that very idea—how setbacks and struggles shape leaders far more than victories ever could. Kohli found inspiration in the way the book celebrated persistence, patience, and the refusal to give up when odds seemed insurmountable.
As captain, these lessons guided him through difficult tours, tough losses, and moments when criticism was louder than applause. Easier Said Than Done helped him see leadership not as a position of privilege, but as a commitment to keep moving forward despite the weight of expectations. It was a reminder that perseverance is not optional—it is the heart of every great journey.
7. The Winner’s Mindset – Shane Watson
Shane Watson is celebrated as one of the most impactful all-rounders for Australia. Virat played against him in international cricket and shared the RCB dressing room in the IPL. Thus, it shows why great people excel in a different way. They do not only compete with each other, they also learn from their peers. The Winner’s Mindset by Shane Watson dives deep into the mental strength required to excel in high-pressure sports. For Virat Kohli, whose career has been defined by intensity and focus, this book became a guide to mastering the mind as much as the body.
Australia has dominated world cricket with their winner mindset and Watson explores how champions think differently. He talks about how they embrace challenges, stay composed under stress, and consistently push their limits. Kohli resonated with these insights, seeing them reflected in his own approach to cricket. The book reinforced the importance of mental preparation, visualization, and maintaining confidence, even when results do not immediately follow effort.
For Kohli, the lessons went beyond cricket. The Winner’s Mindset became a blueprint for self-discipline, resilience, and goal-oriented thinking in every aspect of life. It reminded him that talent alone is never enough; it is the strength of the mind that often separates the good from the great. By internalizing these principles, Kohli strengthened his mental game, inspiring teammates and showing that a champion’s mindset is the true foundation of sustained success.
8. The Secret – Rhonda Byrne
If you talk about the most-selling motivational books in the world, The Secret by Rhonda Byrne will definitely be there on the list. This book explores the transformative power of mindset and the law of attraction. Consequently, it became a cult classic for readers across the world. For Virat Kohli, who constantly strives for excellence, the book offered a fresh perspective on how thoughts, focus, and belief shape outcomes both on and off the field.
Kohli was particularly drawn to the idea that positive thinking can influence performance. The book emphasized that envisioning success, maintaining self-belief, and staying aligned with one’s goals can create real opportunities. It encouraged him to frame challenges as possibilities rather than obstacles, reinforcing a proactive and optimistic approach to life.
Beyond cricket, The Secret influenced how Kohli set intentions and approached personal growth. By combining rigorous training with a focused mindset, he learned to attract consistency, resilience, and peak performance. The book served as a reminder that mindset is a tool as powerful as any physical skill. For Kohli, this lesson became part of his daily routine, helping him harness inner energy and channel it toward achieving not just victories, but lasting impact in his career and life.
Also Read: Virat Kohli Post-Retirement Plans
Why These Books Matter to Kohli’s Mindset?
Virat is known for his cricketing talent, but his collection of books show how determined he is towards learning and growing. Each book contributes to shaping the mindset that has defined him both on and off the cricket field. Here’s a summary of the key themes that resonate deeply with him:
- Mindfulness: Books like Autobiography of a Yogi helped Kohli cultivate awareness and stay grounded amidst pressure.
- Ego Management: Detox Your Ego guided him to lead with humility, empathy, and clarity.
- Leadership: Hit Refresh and Easier Said Than Done offered insights into inspiring others and embracing responsibility as a captain.
- Resilience: Stories from Open and The Winner’s Mindset reinforced his ability to rise above setbacks and stay mentally strong.
- Visualization & Positive Mindset: The Secret taught him to frame challenges as opportunities and harness the power of belief to achieve goals.
- Cross-cultural Awareness: There’s Something in the Air reminded him to stay open, adaptable, and learn from diverse experiences.
Together, these books create a blueprint for Kohli’s mental strength, enabling him to balance intensity with focus, ambition with humility, and passion with purpose.
Books that were Missed
Sports Psychology & Performance
- The Champion’s Mind by Jim Afremow
A practical guide to mental strategies, focusing on confidence, focus, and composure. - Mind Gym by Gary Mack & David Casstevens
Offers mental exercises and techniques to enhance athletic performance. - The Inner Game of Tennis by W. Timothy Gallwey
Explores the mental side of sports, emphasizing self-awareness and concentration. - The Mamba Mentality by Kobe Bryant
Provides insights into Kobe Bryant’s approach to training, mindset, and performance. - Mindfulness for Beginners by Jon Kabat-Zinn
Introduces mindfulness techniques that can be applied to enhance focus and performance.
Biographies & Memoirs of Athletes
- Seabiscuit by Laura Hillenbrand
Tells the story of an undersized racehorse who became a symbol of hope during the Great Depression. - A Season on the Brink by John Feinstein
Offers an in-depth look at the 1985–86 Indiana Hoosiers basketball season and coach Bob Knight. - The Education of a Coach by David Halberstam
Explores the life and career of NFL coach Bill Belichick, providing insights into his coaching philosophy. - Clemente by David Maraniss
Chronicles the life and legacy of baseball legend Roberto Clemente. - Ali: A Life by Jonathan Eig
Offers a comprehensive biography of Muhammad Ali, delving into his personal and professional life.
Also Read: Virat Kohli Diet Plan: A Complete Nutrition Guide
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The book teaches mindfulness, self-awareness, and inner calm. Kohli draws from its lessons to stay grounded, focus under pressure, and approach cricket with a sense of purpose beyond performance and personal achievement.
It helped Kohli keep personal ego aside, embrace humility, and prioritise the team. By balancing confidence with self-reflection, he leads with empathy, improves communication, and transforms pressure into focused, constructive energy on the field.
Books like There’s Something in the Air expand Kohli’s perspective, encouraging curiosity, adaptability, and respect for diverse experiences. They strengthen his ability to connect with teammates, fans, and challenges across varied cultural contexts.
The book talks about empowering others, humility, and innovation. Kohli connects with its ideas on inspiring teams, adapting strategies, and balancing authority with empathy, lessons he applies to his captaincy and mentorship of younger players.
Open shows the raw human side of elite athletes—the struggles, doubts, and resilience behind success. Kohli finds inspiration in these journeys, learning to channel setbacks into growth and maintain unwavering determination.
It reinforces positive thinking, visualisation, and goal-setting. Kohli uses these concepts to focus energy, maintain confidence, and align mindset with performance objectives, complementing his disciplined training routine.
All emphasise growth, resilience, self-awareness, and leadership. They blend mindset development, mental strength, and personal evolution, reflecting Kohli’s holistic approach to success, both on the cricket field and in life.
Sports psychology, performance optimisation, mindfulness, and athlete biographies would deepen mental strategies. Titles on visualisation, focus, and leadership under pressure could further complement Kohli’s journey of growth and excellence.
