Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen recalls feeling convinced Virat Kohli is "destined for greatness" as early as the first few editions of the Indian Premier League (IPL) when they turned up together for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). 

Since then, Kohli has gone on to vindicate Pietersen's call, with an outstanding record in all formats and different conditions, which his mate feels pretty chuffed about. 

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"Sitting on the bus with Virat and batting with Virat, I knew he was destined for greatness because of how he approached the game and the way he learnt and the questions he asked," Pietersen told Betway. 

"He was a chubby little fella back then and I still take the mickey out of him for it. But his determination to be the best player he could possibly be was evident."

Outspoken, flamboyant cricketers, often accused of erring on the arrogant side of things, Pietersen and Kohli share a lot in common. And hence, the relativity and their instant connect.

"I remember I was winning a game for us against Rajasthan Royals and he ran me out," Pietersen recalled. "I gave him an absolute serve walking off the field. But you could see this was a youngster who was determined to get his team over the line."

"He wasn’t just going to give his wicket away and it didn’t matter how many Tests I’d played or how much more senior I was."

"We do have an incredible friendship, probably because of the way I treated him when he was a youngster and how I helped and guided him at the start of his career," he added. 

Kohli will be leading RCB again during the league's 13th edition, starting March 29. RCB is scheduled to open its campaign on March 31 at home in Bangalore against Kolkata Knight Riders.

(Inputs from metro.co.uk)