In the ever-evolving world of international cricket, where mental fortitude often trumps raw talent, personal anecdotes from players offer invaluable insights into the game’s psychological depths. Recently, Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj opened up about one of the most influential figures in his career: Virat Kohli. In an candid interview with sports journalist Boria Majumdar on Revsportz, Siraj shared how Kohli’s unyielding competitive spirit has shaped his own approach to the sport. “I have learned this one particular thing from Virat Kohli, and that is his fighting approach in the game. Off the field, he would be talking very nicely, but on the ground, the opposition is the enemy for him,” Siraj revealed. This statement encapsulates the essence of Kohli’s on-field persona—a relentless warrior who transforms camaraderie into combat once the game begins. As India prepares for its tour of England in 2025, Siraj’s reflections not only highlight his personal growth but also underscore Kohli’s enduring legacy, even after his retirement from Test cricket.
Siraj’s words come at a poignant time. With Kohli having stepped away from the longest format following a storied career, the Indian team is navigating a transition phase. Yet, the echoes of his leadership and intensity continue to resonate through players like Siraj, who credits Kohli for instilling a mindset that separates the good from the great. This article delves into the depths of their relationship, the key learnings Siraj has imbibed, and how this philosophy has propelled his career forward. Through subheadings, we’ll explore these facets, drawing on Siraj’s interview and broader cricketing context to paint a comprehensive picture.
The Enduring Bond Between Siraj and Kohli
Mohammed Siraj’s journey in cricket is a testament to perseverance, rising from humble beginnings in Hyderabad to becoming a mainstay in India’s pace attack. His association with Virat Kohli began in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), where they shared the dressing room from 2018 to 2024. During this period, Kohli, as captain, played a pivotal role in nurturing young talents like Siraj. The bond extended beyond the IPL, flourishing in the international arena across all formats. Siraj has often referred to Kohli as his “superhero,” a term he used while congratulating the batting maestro on his successful Test career post-retirement.
This relationship wasn’t built overnight. Siraj’s debut for India came under Kohli’s captaincy in 2020, during a challenging tour of Australia. Amidst the absence of key players due to injuries, Siraj stepped up, taking crucial wickets and earning praise for his resilience. Kohli’s encouragement during those trying times forged a mentor-mentee dynamic that Siraj cherishes. “Virat bhai has always been there for me,” Siraj has said in past interviews, emphasizing how Kohli’s guidance helped him navigate the pressures of international cricket.
Off the field, their camaraderie is evident in shared moments—be it training sessions, team dinners, or light-hearted banter. Siraj recalls how Kohli’s approachable nature made him feel at ease, contrasting sharply with his on-field intensity. This duality is what Siraj admires most. In the Revsportz interview, he elaborated on how Kohli maintains professionalism while fostering genuine relationships. “Off the field, he would be talking very nicely,” Siraj noted, highlighting Kohli’s ability to switch modes seamlessly. Such bonds are crucial in team sports like cricket, where trust and mutual respect can elevate collective performance.
Moreover, their time at RCB provided Siraj with a platform to observe Kohli’s work ethic up close. Kohli’s dedication to fitness, diet, and mental preparation set a benchmark for the entire squad. Siraj, who initially struggled with consistency, adopted similar routines, leading to improved stamina and accuracy in his bowling. Statistics bear this out: Under Kohli’s IPL captaincy, Siraj claimed over 70 wickets, evolving from a raw talent to a dependable death-over specialist. This foundation translated to international success, where Siraj has become India’s go-to bowler in swinging conditions.
The bond also extended to emotional support. During low phases, such as injuries or form slumps, Kohli’s motivational talks helped Siraj bounce back. One notable instance was after the 2023 World Cup final loss, where Kohli’s words of encouragement reminded Siraj of the importance of resilience. As Siraj put it, Kohli’s influence goes beyond tactics; it’s about building character. This subheading alone illustrates how personal connections in cricket can transcend the game, creating lasting impacts that shape careers.
Expanding on this, consider the broader ecosystem of Indian cricket. With the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) emphasizing youth development, mentors like Kohli play a vital role. Siraj’s story is not unique; players like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal have also benefited from Kohli’s insights. However, Siraj’s proximity—through RCB and multiple tours—makes his learnings particularly profound. As we move forward, this bond serves as a blueprint for how senior players can groom the next generation, ensuring India’s dominance in world cricket.
Virat Kohli’s Fighting Approach: Treating Opposition as the Enemy
At the heart of Siraj’s revelation is Kohli’s “fighting approach,” a philosophy that views the cricket field as a battlefield. “On the ground, the opposition is the enemy for him,” Siraj explained, underscoring Kohli’s aggressive mindset. This isn’t mere bravado; it’s a calculated strategy that Kohli honed over his 15-year international career, amassing over 27,000 runs across formats with an average above 50 in Tests and ODIs.
Kohli’s aggression is legendary. From his early days, he was known for his verbal duels and intense celebrations, often getting under the skin of opponents. Yet, it’s rooted in respect for the game. Off the field, Kohli maintains cordial relations with rivals—evident in his friendships with players like Steve Smith or Kane Williamson. But once the whites (or colored jerseys) are on, everything changes. This switch, as Siraj describes, is what makes Kohli a “warrior.”
Siraj has adopted this trait, particularly in high-stakes encounters. He also mentioned learning to harness crowd energy from Kohli. “I have also learnt to take crowd support from Virat,” Siraj said. Kohli’s ability to feed off the audience—waving his arms, roaring after milestones—creates an electric atmosphere that intimidates opponents. Siraj, known for his fiery send-offs, now uses similar tactics to pump up the team and spectators alike.
This approach has psychological benefits. In cricket, where matches can span days, maintaining intensity is key. Kohli’s method ensures no complacency creeps in. For bowlers like Siraj, it means channeling aggression into precise spells, targeting weaknesses relentlessly. Siraj’s comments align with Kohli’s own philosophy: “I play to win, and that means giving everything on the field.”
Critics sometimes label this as over-aggression, but data supports its efficacy. Under Kohli’s Test captaincy, India won 40 out of 68 matches, including historic series victories in Australia (twice) and England. Siraj contributed significantly, playing eight Tests under him and taking 23 wickets at an average of 27.04—his best under any captain. This statistic highlights how Kohli’s leadership style extracted the best from his pacers.
Furthermore, this mindset extends to preparation. Kohli’s rigorous training regimes, focusing on scenario-based practice, prepare players for adversarial conditions. Siraj, inspired, has incorporated mental conditioning into his routine, visualizing opponents as “enemies” to heighten focus. In an era where sports psychology is paramount, Kohli’s approach offers a masterclass in competitive edge.
Examples abound. During the 2021 England tour, Siraj’s heroics at Lord’s—where he took 8 wickets in the match—were fueled by this intensity. Kohli’s on-field pep talks, treating the English batsmen as foes to conquer, motivated Siraj to deliver match-winning spells. Such instances demonstrate how Kohli’s philosophy translates into tangible results.
Impact on Siraj’s Career and Kohli’s Lasting Legacy
The adoption of Kohli’s mindset has been transformative for Siraj’s career. From a bowler prone to inconsistency, he has evolved into a world-class seamer, with over 100 international wickets across formats by 2025. His average in Tests stands at around 28, with strike rates improving markedly post-2021. This growth is directly attributable to lessons from Kohli, particularly in handling pressure.
One standout example is the 2021 England series, where Siraj’s “enemy” approach powered his performances. “On the field, the opponent is never a friend,” Siraj echoed Kohli’s mantra, crediting it for his intense displays. At The Oval and Lord’s, Siraj’s bouncers and yorkers dismantled England’s lineup, leading to India’s memorable victories. These feats not only boosted his confidence but also established him as Kohli’s trusted lieutenant in the pace department.
Beyond statistics, this philosophy has helped Siraj mentally. Cricket’s demands—travel, scrutiny, failures—can be overwhelming. Kohli’s example of compartmentalizing life and game has taught Siraj balance. “Virat Kohli has more aggression than bowlers,” Siraj joked in another context, but it underscores how a batter’s intensity inspires pacers.
Kohli’s legacy, post-retirement, is multifaceted. As a batsman, his records are unparalleled; as a leader, he revolutionized Indian cricket’s aggression. Players like Siraj carry this torch, ensuring the “Kohli era” influences future generations. In the 2025 England tour, Siraj will likely channel this spirit, aiming to replicate past successes.
However, challenges remain. With Rohit Sharma at the helm, the team dynamic has shifted towards calmness. Siraj must blend Kohli’s fire with Rohit’s composure. Nonetheless, the core learning—treating opposition as enemies—remains relevant, fostering a winning culture.
Siraj’s revelations offer a glimpse into Kohli’s profound impact. As cricket evolves, such mindsets will define champions. Siraj’s journey, inspired by his “superhero,” reminds us that greatness is often passed down through mentorship, aggression, and unyielding resolve. With India eyeing more glory, Kohli’s lessons will continue to echo on fields worldwide.
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