"I have made a few mistakes early on that I admit myself and there have been times when I have gone over the top and done things that you shouldn't do in international cricket, but that's how you learn," Kohli said.
The 25-year-old, admired for his stupendous batting achievements but criticised for being too aggressive in confrontational situations, said he has matured quite a bit.
"I know now that the opposition wants to get me out, that's why they are going to try to rattle me and try to get me into a fight but that gives me one more reason not to get out. So I pretty much like a battle but I have realised the use of words is not necessary all the time and I'd rather let my bat do the talking now," he added.
"People have to realise I am not 21 anymore. I am growing up. I am not that immature that I don't know where to control my aggression. Obviously if I wasn't able to control my aggression, I would be nowhere. My career would have been over before it started," he said.