Even since Virat Kohli has emerged into the international scene, he has maintained the standard despite losing cool most of the times. However, veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh has recalled an incident when courageous Kohli hit Sri Lankan legendary bowler a six.
Harbhajan Singh, who recently pulled out of the IPL 2020 citing personal reasons, recalled his encounter with Indian skipper Kohli which took place during the Mumbai Indians vs Royal challengers Bangalore match of the inaugural edition of the cash-rich IPL.
The star off-spinner Harbhajan on Star Sports’ programme ‘IPL memories’ reiterated that he had heard Kohli’s name from Lalchand Rajput much before the IPL Players’ Auction 2008.
Back then, Harbhajan led Indians in the absence of Sachin Tendulkar.
“I had heard Virat Kohli’s name before the IPL auction from Lalchand Rajput. In an IPL game, I was the captain of the Mumbai Indians, Sachin paaji was sitting out,” Harbhajan stated.
What showed Harbhajan Singh that Virat Kohli is ‘one for the future’?
Known for his fearless approach, Kohli had always tried to dominate the bowlers and so he did against Jayasuriya.
Harbhajan further revealed that Kohli had stepped out to struck a six which subsequently gave him an idea of how Kohli has been one for future for India some 12 years ago.
“Virat Kohli hit Jayasuriya for a six by stepping out of his crease. He was not afraid of the fact that a man of Jayasuriya’s stature was bowling to him. That showed me that he is one for the future,” Harbhajan said.
Over the years, Kohli has become a renowned cricketer across the globe for his remarkable show with the bat especially his way of batting in the run-chase.
The veteran batsman in the contemporary cricket had further led his team to finest victories which included a historic Test series victory over Australia in 2018-19.
Given to the domination across all three departments, Kohli also became first-ever Indian skipper to hand India a Test series win on Australian soil.
Virat Kohli always kept his focus on cricket: Irfan Pathan
Besides, Harbhajan, former Indian left-arm fast-bowler Irfan Pathan had also recalled Kohli’s emergence. He further hailed Kohli for his work ethic on being focused on what he loved to become a star.
Pathan further added that Kohli has always enjoyed his game and never set cricket as his secondary choice which eventually helped him to evolve in the game.
“The good thing is that he always kept his focus on cricket. This is why he is one of the best players in the world right now and it shows how much commitment he has,” Pathan said about Virat Kohli.
Former Indian cricketer Subramaniam Badrinath has also heaped praises on Kohli approach towards the gentleman’s game.
Meanwhile, Kohli-led RCB has regrouped in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to set their sights on their maiden IPL title as the IPL 2020 will commence from September 19 in Abu Dhabi.
Harbhajan Singh on Virat Kohli:
Assumptions, expectations, impressions – what was your first memory of #KingKohli?
Hear from @IrfanPathan, @harbhajan_singh & @s_badrinath on #IPLMemories.#Dream11IPL 2020 starts Sep 19 onwards at 7:30 PM on Star Sports & Disney+Hotstar VIP! pic.twitter.com/rQ2K3YkP5Q
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) September 13, 2020
