Virat Kohli is one of the most celebrated cricketers in the world. His immense talent and unwavering focus have earned him countless fans and accolades. However, even the best players face challenges in their careers, and Kohli is no exception. In a recent interview with his teammate Mayank Agarwal on the latter’s YouTube channel, Kohli shared an incident that had tested him to the core.
It was the second match of a five-test series between India and England in 2018. Kohli had struggled in the first match, scoring just 23 and 17 runs in the two innings. The second match was being played at Edgbaston stadium in Birmingham, which has a capacity of over 25,000 spectators. The Indian captain was already under pressure to perform, but the hostile crowd at Edgbaston made it even tougher for him.
As Kohli stepped out to bat in the first innings, he was greeted with loud boos and jeers from the crowd. It was a difficult situation for any player, let alone the captain of the team. Kohli later revealed that the booing had affected him initially, and he had to consciously block it out of his mind.
“I won’t lie, it did bother me at first. It was not easy to hear 35,000 people booing you. But then I realized that it was not about me, it was about them. They were trying to intimidate us and put us off our game,” Kohli said.
Despite the tough conditions, Kohli put up a valiant fight. He scored 149 runs in the match, including a magnificent 51 in the fourth innings when India was chasing a target of 194. However, his efforts were in vain as England won the match by 31 runs, taking a 2-0 lead in the series.
Kohli’s performance earned him widespread praise from cricket fans and experts around the world. Former England captain Michael Vaughan called it a “masterclass” while former India opener Virender Sehwag said that Kohli had shown “guts and determination” in the face of adversity.
Reflecting on the experience, Kohli said that it had taught him to deal with pressure better. “It was a tough situation, but it helped me understand how to handle pressure and remain focused on my game. As a player, you have to learn to block out the distractions and focus on what you can control,” he said.
Kohli has since gone on to establish himself as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of the game. He has scored over 12,000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Test matches combined and has led the Indian team to several memorable victories. He is also known for his aggressive captaincy style and his unwavering commitment to the sport.
The Indian cricket team is currently preparing for a series against New Zealand, which will be played in November 2021. Kohli and his teammates will be hoping to continue their good form and clinch the series, which will be played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In conclusion, Kohli’s experience at Edgbaston in 2018 is a testament to his mental fortitude and resilience. Despite facing a hostile crowd and immense pressure, he refused to give up and fought till the very end. His determination and dedication to the sport continue to inspire millions of fans around the world.
