Virat Kohli Reflects on Early Career Challenges and Determination
Kohli's Journey from Self-Doubt to Stardom
Virat Kohli, currently one of India's leading cricketers, recalls his initial struggles when he joined the national team. In a conversation with RCB, he opened up about the self-doubt and low expectations that characterized the beginning of his international career.
The young batter from Delhi, who had just achieved success in the U19 circuit, found himself comparing his skills to those of established players. However, it was his unwavering determination that propelled him forward.
"I was realistic about my abilities because I had observed many players. I felt my game was not on par with theirs. The only asset I had was determination, and I was ready to do whatever it took to help my team succeed," he shared with RCB.
Kohli also mentioned that his mindset played a crucial role in securing his spot in the Indian lineup.
"This mindset was key to my initial selection for India. Gary [Kirsten] and MS [Dhoni] made it clear that they believed in my potential to play at Number three, emphasizing the energy and engagement I brought to the team as invaluable," he explained.
“𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐’𝘮 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘯𝘰𝘸! 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘏𝘖𝘔𝘌. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦… pic.twitter.com/n0DErxgonp
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Kohli's Relentless Drive for Success
Kohli candidly acknowledged that he was not initially viewed as a natural match-winner. He embraced the role of a fighter, determined to persevere even in challenging situations.
"I was never seen as a game-changer, but I was committed to staying in the fight and not giving up. This was the support I received," he stated.
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He attributed his successful transition from a promising talent to a world-class player to divine blessings.
"The blessings I received from God were instrumental in my journey. I may not be the most technically proficient player, but I was eager to learn and improve," he reflected.
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Kohli expressed his ambition to be the best, a driving force throughout his career.
"There is no doubt that I aspired to be the best. That hunger and ambition fueled my career," he concluded.
Kohli is set to return to the field in IPL 2025 on May 9, where RCB will face the Lucknow Super Giants. The top-ranked team needs two more victories to secure the top position in the points table.