Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan while sharing his first impression of a young Virat Kohli, said that despite the immense fame he never sidelined cricket, and always kept his focus.

Virat Kohli came into the limelight in 2008 when he guided Team India to the U-19 World Cup win.

He made his IPL debut for Royal challengers Bangalore in the same year and then later in 2013 was given the responsibility to lead the side. Since then he has stayed on with the Bangalore-based franchise. 

Since his debut in IPL, current Indian skipper Virat Kohli didn’t look back as he’s breaking numerous records along the way and is the leading batsman in all three formats of the game. 

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However, ahead of IPL 2021 former Indian all-rounder, Irfan Pathan recalled the days when he used to play along with RCB skipper Virat Kohli. The all-rounder said that he was amazed by Kohli’s ability to balance everything on and off the field.

“Whenever I used to see Virat Kohli in the IPL, I only saw one player. Someone who was young has reached a certain level and is now enjoying himself on and off the field. The next morning when you opened the newspaper, he was everywhere, on Page 3 you see him," Irfan Pathan said in a video shared by Star Sports on Twitter.

Pathan further said that despite the unimaginable amount of fame that Kohli received at a young age, he remained focused on his game and that marks his commitment to the game. 

“But he never sidelined cricket, and always kept his focus. That's why you see Virat Kohli has become such a special player. It shows his commitment to the game." he said. 

Virat Kohli will be seen in action in IPL 2021. The cash-rich league will begin from 9th April with Kohli’s RCB taking on Rohit Sharma’s MI in the tournament opener at Chennai. 

(StarSports Inputs)