Delhi NCR, Cricastar Sports Desk: Virat Kohli, born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, India, is a name synonymous with modern-day cricket. A right-handed top-order batsman, he has etched his name in the record books with his aggressive yet elegant style and consistent performances across all formats of the game.  

In 2025, Kohli continues to be a pivotal figure in both the Indian national team and the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Kohli’s illustrious career is studded with numerous records, including the fastest to reach several milestones in One Day Internationals (ODIs). He holds the record for the most ODI centuries and is second in the list of most international centuries. His captaincy also saw India achieve significant success, making him one of the most successful Test captains for the nation.

Beyond his statistical achievements, Kohli’s passion for the game and his unwavering dedication have made him an icon for millions worldwide. His influence extends beyond the cricket field, making him one of the most admired and followed athletes globally. As he continues his cricketing journey in 2025, fans eagerly anticipate more milestones and match-winning performances from the “King” Kohli.

Virat Kohli Reveals a Big Secret

Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli recently opened up about a pivotal moment in his early career during a recent episode of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) podcast. In a heartfelt conversation with host Mayanti Langer, Kohli shared how former South African wicketkeeper-batsman Mark Boucher made a lasting impact on his journey as a professional cricketer.

“Boucher Believed in Me Without Being Asked”

Kohli recalled being pleasantly surprised when Boucher recognized his potential and offered valuable guidance without any request. He said, “Among all the foreign players I played with in the beginning, Mark Boucher was the only one who came in with the mindset of helping young Indian players. He understood my weaknesses and, without me asking, told me exactly what I needed to improve in order to reach the international level.”

Breaking Barriers in the First IPL Season

Talking about the early days of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008, Kohli mentioned that there was a visible divide between Indian and foreign players. However, activities like playing golf and spending time off the field helped bridge that gap. “But Boucher’s approach stood out — it was different and truly inspiring,” he added.

Kohli was picked by Royal Challengers Bangalore in the inaugural IPL season after leading India to an Under-19 World Cup victory in 2008. While his performance in that season was modest — scoring just 165 runs in 13 matches — things began to change drastically from 2010 onwards, eventually making him one of the most successful batters in IPL history.

The Turning Point: Mastering the Short Ball

One of the most defining moments in Kohli’s development came when Boucher personally took him to the nets to work on his biggest weakness — the short ball.

“He told me that if I wanted to survive in international cricket, I needed to improve against the short ball. He bowled at me with a tennis ball at such speed that I got scared. But that training turned out to be a major turning point in my career,” Kohli revealed.

Words That Stayed Forever

Kohli also recalled a specific conversation during a match that left a deep impression on him. “He told me, ‘When I come to India for commentary in three to four years and if you’re not playing for India, you’ll be doing injustice to yourself.’”

Those words, Kohli said, left a lasting mark and became a driving force behind his self-improvement. “In those early years, Boucher had a profound impact on me, and I still haven’t forgotten the contribution he made to my growth,” Kohli concluded.