“My father was an honest middle-class man,” when Virat Kohli narrated how he was left disappointed because his father refused to pay BRIBE

Virat Kohli debuted for Delhi in 2006 as a 17-year-old in 2006.

“My father was an honest middle-class man,” when Virat Kohli narrated how he was left disappointed because his father refused to pay BRIBE

Virat Kohli with father Prem Kohli (Images via X, Wikipedia)

During lockdown, many players took to social media to interact with fans. Many times they’d go live and talk about their lives or chat with other celebrities/athletes. One such session took place when former Indian Captain, Virat Kohli, had a chat with Indian Football team captain, Sunil Chhetri.

In the chat, the duo talked about various things, such as their upbringing, love for ports and their journey. Kohli spoke about his junior cricket days. He revealed he was close to being selected in the Delhi Cricket team, but an official had requested a bribe. His father, Prem Kohli, refused to pay, saying his son would only be selected on merit.  

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My father was an honest middle-class man who had worked hard all his life to become a successful lawyer. He studied under street lights. He did not even understand what that ‘little extra’ meant. My father simply said, ‘If you want to select Virat, then let it be purely on merit. I will give you nothing extra.
Virat Kohli in his Instagram Live

Kohli said he cried a lot, adding that he was disappointed that his father didn’t pay the fine. But he learnt an important lesson, where only being extraordinary would get him somewhere. He finally made his debut for Delhi in 2006.

Virat Kohli journey to the top through his coaches eyes

Born on 5th November, 1988, Virat Kohli joined his first cricket academy at the age of 9. Raj Kumar Sharma, Kohli’s coach at West Delhi Cricket Academy, said the young cricketer showed passion, discipline and talent from the start. He added that Kohli was committed, being the first to each net session and always padded up despite playing at number 4. Along with that, he kept good care of all of his equipment, making sure there were no stains. 

Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli with his coach (Image via WDCA)

After 8 years of hard work, Kohli was finally selected for Delhi’s Vijay Hazare team, making his debut in early 2006. A month after his Ranji debut, he lost his father during a Ranji match with Karnataka, finishing the day with 40 runs on board. He returned to play, ensuring Delhi left the game with a draw, and attended his father’s last rites. 

Kohli still works with his coach. Before the 2018 Tour of England, he worked with his coach on how to play swing. Before each major series/tournament, Kohli and his coach discussed tactics, technique and enlisted his help whenever possible.  

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