Virat Kohli Reflects on Mark Boucher's Influence in IPL
Virat Kohli Shares Insights on Mark Boucher's Impact
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], May 2: Virat Kohli, the star batter for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), reminisced about the significant influence former South African wicketkeeper Mark Boucher had on him during his early days in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Kohli expressed that the discussions he had with Boucher left him 'stunned.'
In a preview of an upcoming episode of the RCB Podcast, shared on the team's official X account, Kohli reflected on how Boucher, who invited him to play golf, recognized his potential and weaknesses without him needing to ask for advice. Kohli recalled Boucher telling him, 'If I come to commentate in India three to four years from now and don’t see you playing for India, it would be a disservice to yourself.' This conversation had a profound effect on him.
Boucher played for RCB from 2008 to 2010, a period when Kohli was still establishing himself in international cricket and had yet to make his Test debut. During his time with RCB, Boucher scored 388 runs in 27 matches, averaging 29.85, including one half-century.
Kohli also expressed his unwavering loyalty to RCB, emphasizing that the 'relationship and mutual respect' he shares with the franchise holds more value than any trophy. He stated, 'The love I have received from the fans is something no silverware can compare to.'
He further mentioned that his retirement from T20 internationals has not altered his approach to the IPL. 'I don’t think anything has changed for me. The decision to step back was made with the understanding that a new generation of players is ready and needs time to develop and handle pressure,' he concluded.
As the IPL progresses, Kohli currently ranks third among the top run-scorers, amassing 443 runs in 10 innings with an impressive average of 63.28 and a strike rate nearing 139, including six fifties and a top score of 73*. RCB is positioned second in the league standings with seven victories and three defeats, gearing up to face Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at home this Saturday.