Sport - Cricket

Stardom hasn’t changed Kohli

— PHOTO: Rajeev Bhatt

GURUS’ DELIGHT: Virat Kohli draws high praise from his coaches Raj Kumar Sharma (left) and Suresh Batra.

NEW DELHI: The West Delhi Cricket Academy was launched on 30th May, 1997. Raj Kumar Sharma and Suresh Batra had found a nondescript field and nurtured it to groom some enthusiastic youngsters from the neighbourhood.

Among the trainees was one lad who stood out. He always reported on time and had to be pushed home in darkness, ever unwilling to leave the ‘nets’.

Virat Kohli, captain of the Indian team that won the Under-19 World Cup at Kuala Lumpur recently, has come a long way from the time he learnt the basics from his cricket gurus and today looks forward to playing alongside his heroes.

Ever heard of a team cursing itself for getting an opponent out. This poignant scene happened at the Ferozeshah Kotla in December 2006. Kohli, tears streaming down, fell ten runs short of what would have been his maiden Ranji Trophy century and the Karnataka camp was far more distressed than the young man, who had lost his father that morning.

Overnight 40, Kohli added another 50 runs. More than the runs, he added stature to his cricket that day as the entire Karnataka side visited him to lend emotional support and acknowledge his amazing commitment.

Kohli was not even 15 when he hit a double century for Delhi in the Vijay Merchant trophy. He added two more double centuries before he turned 17. “I always noticed he wanted to bat longer in the ‘nets’. He hated being dismissed and was very, very consistent,” recalled Raj Kumar, who bowled off-spin for Delhi in first-class cricket.

“I enjoy pressure. When under pressure, I concentrate better. A match presents different situations that you need to handle with different mindset. I experiment a little at ‘nets’ and always under the guidance of Raj Kumar Sir. He keeps reminding me that cricket is paramount.”

Raj Kumar added, “I can’t remember Virat ever missing a practice session. I can’t remember him shirking. He wants to play every match possible.”

In Batra’s opinion, Kohli’s strong point was “his technique”. “He is very sound. Can play any stroke and his aggression is natural. What I like most about him is his nature of helping others at the ‘nets’. ”

His debut season was average but he made a mark in his second year, thanks to some encouragement from Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir. “Viru bhai called me and told me to play my natural game. He assured me I would not lose my place and that gave me lot of confidence. I always believed in myself and I knew I had to perform to be recognised. ”

The amiable environment of the Delhi dressing room came as a boon for youngsters like Kohli and Pradeep Sangwan. Kohli has a strike rate of 130-plus in the Twenty20 format and 40-plus in first-class cricket. “I know how to adapt and that is crucial for survival in the big league. I learn by watching my seniors and try to make the most of whatever chances I get,” Kohli gave a glimpse of his maturity.

“Education is a must. I realise that. But I need to concentrate on my cricket too. For me, cricket is life. I will study whenever I find time,” said the youngster, touching the feet of his cricket gurus. Stardom has not changed this talented batsman.

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