So former Indian batsman Virender Sehwag had predicted a bright future for Virat Kohli even before the batting sensation made his debut in international cricket. Speaking during the launch of a new book on Virat Kohli ‘Driven’ written by veteran journalist Vijay Lokapally, Sehwag revealed an anecdote from Kohli’s early days with the Delhi Ranji team.
“It was Pradeep Sangwan who came and told me”Bhaiyaa, ek ladkaa hain jo aapko bhi peeche chhor dega (Brother this boy will even surpass you). I was curious to know who this boy is,” Sehwag said.
Praising Kohli for his humbleness, Sehwag said:“This was a match where Virat powerfully drove the ball. There was both long-on and long-off and yet the ball raced to the boundary and I knew he was talented. But he also remained humble all these years.”
The function was also attended by Anil Kumble, Kapil Dev, and Ravi Shastri. And just like the millions of fans out there, these legends are also impressed by the Delhi batsman’s meteoric rise in the game.
Kumble, who is currently the head coach of the Indian team, said: “I love the way he prepares for his matches. Not only does he lead by example but when he makes a mistake, he has the honesty to admit it. He (Virat) would come up to you and say ‘Okay I have made a mistake. Can we discuss?’ I believe when he will look back at his wonderful career, he will be really proud of his achievements.”
Former cricketer Ravi Shastri, who worked with Kohli during his stint with the team, backed the batsman to become a great of the game.
“Virat is already a great Indian cricketer and on his way towards becoming one of the all-time greats that the world has ever seen. It was a privilege to be a part of that dressing room and what attracted most was his simplicity,” said Shastri.
World Cup winning captain Kapil Dev said:“It’s not only about playing cricket but one also needs to have a sense of humor. You need to have the ability to laugh at yourself.”
Meanwhile, when the main attraction of the night, Virat Kohli was asked to speak, he said that when it comes to relation, loyalty is of utmost importance to him. Citing the example of his relation with childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma and IPL team Royal Challengers Bangalore, he said:“In relationships, I always look at loyalty. From 1998, I had only one coach (Rajkumar Sharma) and that’s never going to change. I have played for one franchise in the IPL (RCB) and that’s also never going to change.”
He also revealed that even now when he is ruling the world cricket, he is scared of his coach Sharma.
“He (Sharma) is the only person I am scared of a good scolding. I can’t say anything to him even now and it comes from respect. And it’s always good to have someone like that,” said Kohli.