Mohammed Kaif, a former teammate of Virat Kohli at the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), recently shared an enlightening story about the celebrated cricketer’s unrelenting drive for excellence. The anecdote offers a unique perspective on Kohli’s determination and competitive spirit during the initial years of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Kaif recalled a particular incident when a young Kohli, evidently disappointed with his performance, threw his bat in frustration after being dismissed for a low score. Sitting beside Kohli in the dressing room, Kaif anticipated the outburst, but what he didn’t expect was the bold promise that Kohli made to himself.
“I was sitting beside him, and he said, ‘I’m going to score big the next time,'” Kaif recounted during a commentary stint on Star Sports. True to his word, Kohli bounced back in the subsequent match with an unbeaten 72-run knock, leaving a lasting impression on Kaif.
“In the next innings, he scored an unbeaten 72. Imagine. He had gone out, and he was upset. But he forgot that before coming to bat in the next match, scored 72. Then, I realized that this player is special,” Kaif further elaborated.
Now 34 years old and the highest run-scorer in IPL history, Kohli continues to demonstrate his unwavering determination on the field. He recently made a strong start to the 2023 IPL season with an unbeaten 82 off just 49 deliveries, leading RCB to an 8-wicket victory against Mumbai Indians. Despite a less impressive performance against Kolkata Knight Riders, where he was dismissed for 21 off 18 deliveries, Kohli’s history of bouncing back from setbacks suggests that he will return stronger in the upcoming matches.
With RCB aiming for a powerful comeback when they face the Lucknow Super Giants on April 10, fans and fellow players alike will be watching closely to see if Kohli can once again channel his indomitable spirit and lead his team to success.