Net sessions are often where raw talent meets seasoned expertise, and sometimes, these encounters lead to moments that players cherish for a lifetime. One such moment was experienced by Gurjapneet Singh, a promising young Indian pacer, during a practice session where he found himself bowling to none other than Virat Kohli, one of cricket’s modern greats.
Gurjapneet Singh, known for his pace and accuracy in domestic cricket, had the opportunity to bowl in the nets to Virat Kohli. It was an encounter that he would later describe as both intimidating and enlightening. “After I bowled him, I looked at him and didn’t dare to look at him again. He was very, very angry,” Singh shared with the Indian Express. The intensity of Kohli’s reaction was palpable, a testament to the competitive spirit that has made him a formidable figure in world cricket.
However, what followed was a moment of realization for Singh. “But I realised, he was angry with himself more than anything,” he added. This insight into Kohli’s mindset was a lesson in itself for the young pacer. Kohli’s frustration wasn’t directed at the bowler but at his own performance, a trait that has often been highlighted as one of the reasons behind his success.
The session took an unexpected turn when Kohli, after getting bowled, executed a stunning straight drive. “And after a straight drive, he again looked at me and smiled,” Singh recounted. This smile was more than just a gesture; it was a bridge from anger to encouragement, from a competitor to a mentor.
What made this encounter even more memorable was the advice Virat Kohli imparted to Singh. Kohli, recognizing the potential in the young pacer, shared insights that could shape Singh’s career. “He told me, when there is no movement, change the angle and try bowling around the wicket. Because with that angle, even if you manage to get slight movement, it will end up troubling most batsmen,” Singh revealed. This piece of advice was not just about technique but also about the mental approach to the game, something Kohli is renowned for.
The interaction between Singh and Kohli encapsulates the essence of cricket’s mentorship culture, where experienced players pass on their knowledge to the next generation. Kohli’s advice was not just about improving Singh’s bowling but also about instilling in him the importance of adapting and thinking on one’s feet, qualities that are crucial in the ever-evolving landscape of cricket.
For Gurjapneet Singh, this net session was more than just a practice; it was a masterclass in resilience, self-critique, and the art of bowling. Kohli’s initial anger, followed by his encouragement and advice, painted a picture of a player who, despite his stature, remains grounded and committed to the growth of the game.
In conclusion, Singh’s encounter with Kohli is a reminder of how cricket, at its heart, is about learning, growing, and passing the torch. For fans and aspiring cricketers alike, this story serves as an inspiration, highlighting the importance of every moment, even in the nets, and the value of advice from those who have walked the path before. Kohli’s interaction with Singh might have started with anger but ended with a smile, leaving a lasting impact on the young pacer’s career.
