From dream to reality: Virat Kohli credits childhood coach for his 15-year cricketing odyssey in latest Instagram post

Virat Kohli, widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers in history, continues to etch his name in the annals of the sport. Currently showcasing his prowess in the IPL 2023 with the Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kohli finds himself in the fifth spot of the Orange Cap race. Over the course of 11 matches, he has delivered an impressive performance, smashing 420 runs at an average of 42.00 and a staggering strike rate of 133.75. With a highest score of 82* and six half-centuries, Kohli has firmly established himself as RCB’s second-highest run-scorer this season, narrowly trailing the captain, Faf du Plessis, who leads the Orange Cap race with 576 runs in 11 games, boasting an average of 57.60 and a remarkable strike rate of 157.80.

Looking ahead, Kohli aims to maintain his exceptional form as he sets his sights on the upcoming ODI World Cup scheduled for later this year. Furthermore, after the conclusion of IPL 2023, Kohli, alongside Rohit Sharma, will lead India against Australia in the much-anticipated World Test Championship final, commencing on June 7.

Kohli attributes a significant portion of his cricketing journey to his childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, as he has often reiterated. Recently, in an Instagram post, Kohli paid tribute to his mentor, expressing his gratitude for Sharma’s unwavering support. Kohli wrote, “For some, sport will always come second, so I feel it’s very important to celebrate those who believed in you from day one. I am forever grateful to Rajkumar sir who has not just been a coach to me, but also a mentor who has supported me throughout my journey. I was just a boy who dared to dream, but it was your belief that helped me don the Indian jersey 15 years ago.” Kohli further added, “For every bit of advice, every batting lesson, every smack on my head, every pat on my back, and for carrying my dream as your own, I want to thank you.”

Here’s Virat Kohli’s Thank you note to his childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma: 

 

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A post shared by Virat Kohli (@virat.kohli)

Kohli’s exceptional career is highlighted by his remarkable achievements. He holds the record for being the highest run-scorer in T20Is and the IPL. With the Indian national team, he clinched the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy. Kohli recently relinquished his captaincy role in T20Is following India’s disappointing performance in the 2021 T20 World Cup, and he also stepped down as Test skipper in early 2022.

As Kohli continues to leave an indelible mark on the cricketing world, his gratitude towards his childhood coach serves as a testament to the vital role mentors play in nurturing talent and shaping extraordinary careers.