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Indian batting stalwartVirat Kohlihas always been known for his fierce mindset, and a recent revelation from his early cricketing days by his former Delhi teammate once again highlights the aggression and determination that shaped his journey to the top of the cricketing world. 

Kohli’s former Delhi teammate recalled an incident from the star Indian batter’s Under-17 days, where despite piling on runs and establishing himself as a standout performer in the Vijay Merchant Trophy, the young Kohli had to deal with bias from a coach who wasn’t particularly supportive.   

According to the teammate, Kohli had already smashed a double century along with multiple hundreds in the previous season, making him a recognised name in the circuit. However, the lack of backing from the coach only added fuel to the fire. Instead of being bogged down, Kohli responded in trademark fashion ahead of a crucial clash against Punjab.

“When we were playing Under-17, we had played two seasons – Virat had scored a double century and a couple of centuries in the previous season. Virat was a known name in the Delhi circuit. He was always outstanding. Now, when it came to the next season, there was a particular coach who was not too much in favour of Virat, so he was trying to pull him down in his own ways in spite of having that kind of record,” Anand, a former Delhi Ranji player and Head of Academies and ex talent scout with Delhi Capitals, said on The Quiet Rise Podcast by Meha Bhardwaj Alter.

“Our first game was against Punjab in Patiala. It was Punjab’s home ground. Sidharth Kaul was one of their pacers, and another guy, Amanpreet… they were doing extremely well. They were the terror in the fast-bowling circuit. So all the odds were against us. Virat was always someone who, if you give a challenge, he would love it.

And as history has shown many times during Kohli’s historic career, he proved his words right, as he went on to hammer a double century in that game, continuing his dominant run throughout the season and playing a key role in Delhi lifting the Vijay Merchant Trophy.  

“Here I am talking about mental resilience. Before that match, we were just having a casual chat. We were talking about how this match is going to pan out. Now, this was a personal conversation that we guys had. He said, ‘I will beat the living hell out of these people,’ in his proper Delhi language. He scored a double century in that game. That season, he scored another double century, to go with three more hundreds, and that season, Delhi went on to win to become champions in the Vijay Merchant Trophy. So, you see, that kind of challenge. Imagine the coach has the authority in that age group, but that still did not stop someone like Virat.”

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