Virat Kohli reveals the major impact Mark Boucher had on his career, early on

Virat Kohli surprisingly credited former South African wicket-keeper Mark Boucher for having the biggest impact on him, citing his early guidance.

Virat Kohli reveals the major impact Mark Boucher had on his career, early on

Virat Kohli revealed that former RCB player Mark Boucher had a huge impact upon him. (via Rediff)

Indian cricket star Virat Kohli surprised everyone by naming ex-South African wicket-keeper Mark Boucher as the player, who had the biggest impact on him. Kohli noted that Boucher’s guidance during his early IPL days, helped him realize his potential and work tirelessly.

When Virat Kohli first arrived at RCB, he got the opportunity to share a dressing room with legends like skipper Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, Zaheer Khan and Anil Kumble. However, leaving them aside, it was then-31-year-old South African wicket-keeper batter Mark Boucher, who inspired him the most. Kohli noted that Boucher ‘stunned him’ with the conversations that the two had, in 2008 IPL season.

Speaking to Mayanti Langer on RCB Podcast, he revealed that Boucher helped him identify his weaknesses, and worked on them as well. Kohli admitted that the former South African player was the only one, who came forward to assist young Indian players. He explained how the other Indian players and overseas stars broke the ice during the season by playing golf and engaging in other off-field activities.

Kohli even remarked that Mark Boucher used to take him to the nets and bowl tennis balls at him, to upgrade his game to the next level, and cut him out for international cricket. Adding on, the 36-year-old stated that Boucher saw some potential in him, and assisted him to work upon his strengths and weaknesses to raise his game to the next level.

Out of all the players that I played with initially, Mark Boucher had the biggest impact on me as a young kid. He was the only guy I saw who came with the mindset that to help some of the young Indian players.

Virat Kohli on ex-South African wicket-keeper Mark Boucher (H/T ESPNCricinfo)

Kohli even recalled a conversation that he once had with the former South African star. He stated that Boucher had told him that he would be doing a disservice to himself, if he failed to make it to the Indian cricket team by the end of 2010s. Surely, Mark Boucher’s constant encouragement worked out, as Kohli went on to make his ODI debut later that year, against Sri Lanka. 

He saw me play and saw a bit of potential. He figured out what my weaknesses could be, like if I wanted to go to the next level, this is what I need to do, without me asking him anything.

Virat Kohli continued

Kohli and Boucher played 28 matches together for RCB between 2008 and 2011, before the South African announced his retirement from playing. He then took up a coaching position with South African domestic side Titans in 2016, which was followed by a brief stint as the head coach of the South African national cricket team. Boucher made his return to the IPL in 2023, as the head coach of Mumbai Indians.

Virat Kohli on the other hand, went on to seal his status as an Indian cricket legend. In 550 international matches across all formats, Kohli has scored a staggering 27,599 runs at an average of 52.27. He was a part of the 2011 World Cup, 2013 and 2025 Champions Trophy and 2024 T20 World Cup winning squads.

Virat Kohli reveals reason why he quit Team India and RCB captaincy

Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli broke his long-drawn silence on quitting Team Indian and RCB captaincy, in 2021, amidst criticism. The 36-year-old highlighted the constant pressure of leading the teams and the unending scrutiny, as a reason for his decision.

Virat Kohli quit captaincy
Virat Kohli opened up about his decision to quit Team Indian and RCB captaincy. (via NDTV Sports)

Kohli had taken over as India’s ODI captain in 2017, succeeding MS Dhoni. However, he had to step down four years later, following India’s disappointing 2021 T20 World Cup exit. He most recently noted that he stepped down to be in a ‘happy space’, while stating that he had reached a point in his career where the pressure was unbearable. Kohli also exclaimed that he wished to bat well, without being judged.

At one point, it did become tough for me because there was just too much happening in my career… That’s why I stepped down because I felt like if I’ve decided I want to be in this place, I need to be happy

Virat Kohli on quitting captaincy (H/T NDTV Sports)

Nonetheless, Virat Kohli’s captaincy stint, apart from a few setbacks, was a successful one. The 36-year-old won 40 out of the 68 matches he led India in. He surprisingly retired as the fourth-most successful Test captain ever, after Graeme Smith, Ricky Ponting and Steve Waugh.