Former India chief selector MSK Prasad recently talked at length about former India skipper Virat Kohli. It was during MSK Prasad’s tenure as BCCI chief selector that Virat Kohli led India in the 2019 World Cup, where they were knocked out by New Zealand.
While the omission of Ambati Rayudu from the 2019 WC squad still remains one of the talking points of MSK Prasad’s tenure, the fond memories of winning India’s first-ever Test series in Australia in 2018/19 also came during his time at the office.
Speaking on a YouTube show ‘Open Heart With RK’ earlier this month, MSK Prasad opened up on his relationship with Virat Kohli and gave more inside details regarding the Delhi-born superstar cricketer.
Here are 9 important things MSK Prasad shared about Virat Kohli:
MSK Prasad said there are two versions of Virat Kohli: “One is aggressive on the face guy , other one absolutely calm composed who maintains everything perfect”.
Prasad revealed that he once went into Kohli’s room to personally meet him and there he learned that the cricketer has OCD about keeping everything neat and clean.
“He keeps everything neat and if you keep a coffee cup with dirt on table , he’d clean it immediately and sit. He will arrange everything in order and even kit bag. Kohli is misunderstood for his aggression”
He told when Kohli was small his family was struggling to pay rent and the owner threw their things out. At that time the youngster decided that he should work hard and earn for the next 10 generations of his family. The fire in him started there itself and now his net worth is over 1000crs!
He said Virat Kohli is a mysterious guy only people close to him can understand what he is outsiders can’t. His energy is unmatched and with that he can achieve all great things. He needs someone besides him to cool him down sometimes and Anushka is doing that now which is good.
MSK Prasad boldly said: “Due to fame and success that he got in IPL, he drifted away and saw himself in the mirror, said to himself that he should change everything. He took a medical test to know his fat %. It was 32%. He was roaming, drinking in party , enjoying, but then decided to become the best batsman.”
“He analysed his strength and weakness , made a map for himself to become best batsman. Then he achieved it. He readjusted his goal to become best batsman in the world. Then cut down his fat% from 22% to 12%. Then again analyzed everyone in the world who was the best batsman.
“Kohli then worked on becoming best all formats batsman and he achieved it too. Then again he wanted to become the best sportsman across world beating NFI , NBA , etc. In 2019 he become a player who spent most hours on the field than anyone.”
The former chief selector added: “Some players like Rohit won’t be active in all 5 days of test but Kohli will never look full or out of energy because of fire in him.”
MSK felt he had made a connection with Virat Kohli and hence he opened up to him.
“Kohli said indian cricket team shouldn’t be afraid of anyone in overseas. We should give back and earn respect with performance. When it comes to country’s pride he’d ready to give his everything and put his body on line,” MSK Prasad concluded.
Here, check out the interview:
