Virat Kohli measures his words. At no point during the conversation does he get overtly excited.
Virat Kohli measures his words. At no point during the conversation does he get overtly excited. Not even when the topic of his victorious Under-19 World Cup campaign comes up. It’s been over 18 months since Kohli’s India beat South Africa in Kuala Lumpur. His nascent career has taken a few strides since then.
Kohli made his India debut and has featured in nine one-day internationals. Wearing India Blue means the world to him.
“My father had the biggest influence on me and on my cricket. He was always around when I needed him. When I joined the academy he was with me. He guided and helped me,” Kohli told DNA.
It’s been nearly three years since Kohli’s father has passed away. The incident happened during a game between Delhi and Karnataka. Kohli was batting overnight. The day after the tragedy, Kohli decided to pad up. He played a crucial role in saving Delhi the blushes.
“My father always wanted me to play for India. It was his dream. Donning India colours was very important for me. I would have never been satisfied being an India A player or resting on my U-19 laurels,” Kohli added.
These days the twenty-year-old is happy that people recognise him as an India player.
“It got a bit irritating at times when in spite of having played for India I would be called the Under-19 skipper. These days I do get acknowledged as an India player. It does make you feel like you have earned something valuable. It’s been a dream to play for India and when people recognise you as someone who has played for the country at the international level, it makes a difference,” Kohli said rather philosophically.
The youngster has cut his teeth in the Twenty20 era. Fame, money and plenty of distractions can upset the focus of some of the less grounded players. Kohli believes it boils down to the larger picture.
“Yes, it is easy to get carried away. After the Under-19 World Cup win we did get a bit carried away. There is a lot of stuff that can divert one’s attention. Personally, it hasn’t really been a problem for me. When it is clear what is important then you know what to focus on. I want to play for India. I have just started out but I have the confidence that I can do well from here on.”
The series that made Kohli confident was the Emerging Players tournament in Brisbane. He hit a century against South Africa when India won the title. “I have always been naturally confident. It’s something that has worked for me.” As he gets ready to rub shoulders with the Aussies, Kohli looks like he is ready for the big league.
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