As the cricketing world gears up for the Ranji Trophy match where Delhi will face Railways on January 30th, fans are not just excited about the return of Virat Kohli to the domestic circuit after a significant hiatus but also about the lessons he imparts beyond the boundary.
Kohli, who last played in the Ranji Trophy in 2012 and missed Delhi’s recent clash against Saurashtra due to a neck sprain, took the opportunity during a practice session to mentor a young aspiring cricketer, the son of his childhood friend, in how to chase the dream of becoming an Indian cricketer.
The Virat Kohli Method
When asked, “Indian cricketer banne ke liye kya karna padega?” (What does one need to do to become an Indian cricketer?), Kohli’s response was not just advice; it was a blueprint for success in the highly competitive world of cricket.
He emphasized that the journey to becoming an international cricketer is paved with relentless hard work and self-discipline.
“A lot of hard work humein karni padegi,” he said, underscoring that the initiative must come from within. The young aspirant shouldn’t need his father to push him towards practice or training; instead, he should wake up with that drive himself.
“A lot of hard work humein karni padegi aur aapko practice aur training ke liye bolne ki zarurat nahi padni chahiye papa ko, haina? Khud se, subah uth ke mere ko jana hai practice karne, mere ko training karne jana hai. Aur agar koi ek ghanta practice karta hai toh aap do ghante practice karo,” said Kohli in Hindi.
“Ek hi tareeka hai bas, theek hai?
“Koi agar fifty banata hai, aap hundred banao. Koi hundred banata hai, aap two hundred banao. Jo benchmark hai, uss se double. Toh fir, level up, theek hai? Kabhi agar bolne ki zarurat pade toh that’s not right. You should say ‘I want want to practice’ and we should say ‘no, you can rest one day’, theek hai? Keep working hard and always enjoy playing,” he added.
Kohli’s advice was rooted in his own disciplined approach to the game. He spoke of doubling down on efforts where others might settle – “Ek hi tareeka hai bas, theek hai? Koi agar fifty banata hai, aap hundred banao.
Koi hundred banata hai, aap two hundred banao.” This philosophy of pushing the benchmarks is not just about scoring runs but about outworking and outperforming peers at every level.
It’s about setting new standards for oneself, where if someone else practices for an hour, you should aim for two.
The Mindset of a Champion
Beyond physical training, Kohli highlighted the importance of mental fortitude and passion. Cricket, he explained, is as much a mental game as it is physical.
The motivation to practice should be intrinsic, so much so that if a day comes when someone feels the need to be told to practice, it’s a sign they’re not in the right mindset for the journey ahead.
“You should say ‘I want to practice’ and we should say ‘no, you can rest one day’,” he added, suggesting that the love for the game should be so intense that restraining oneself from playing or practicing becomes necessary at times to avoid burnout.
Virat Kohli’s Return to Domestic Cricket
Kohli’s words come at a time when he himself is returning to the roots of his cricketing career.
His participation in the Ranji Trophy is not just a testament to his fitness and form but also a message to young players about the importance of domestic cricket.
By playing in this elite domestic first-class competition, Kohli sets an example of staying connected with the grassroots, ensuring that one never forgets the basics and the ground reality of the sport.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Kohli’s interaction with the young boy, therefore, is more than just advice; it’s a motivational session where he shares the essence of what made him one of the best in the world.
He speaks of enjoying the game, which is crucial – “Keep working hard and always enjoy playing.” This blend of hard work with enjoyment can sustain players through the grueling schedules and the pressure of expectations.
In Summary
Virat Kohli’s advice encapsulates a philosophy that transcends cricket – a life lesson on perseverance, self-motivation, and exceeding one’s limits.
As he prepares to play for Delhi against Railways, his words will resonate not just with the kid at the practice session but with countless young cricketers dreaming of donning the Indian jersey.
Kohli’s return to domestic cricket is not just about playing a match; it’s about reinforcing the values that make champions – dedication, discipline, and an unyielding desire to be the best.
For those aspiring to tread the path he has laid out, the message is clear: hard work is the non-negotiable price for greatness, and the love for the game must fuel this journey.
