Didn't believe that Virat Kohli would reach the heights he has now- Virender Sehwag

Virender Sehwag said that Virat Kohli proved him wrong with his talent.

Virender Sehwag and Virat Kohli | Getty Images

Virat Kohli is considered one of the greatest batters of the modern era and, of course, one of the most successful captains Indian cricket has so far seen. His batting is an absolute delight to watch for fans all over the world.

However, former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag didn’t believe that Kohli would reach the heights he has now, but he is happy to be proven wrong, as the dashing right-hander has already smashed 75 international centuries and is a role model for many across the globe.

Virender Sehwag told YouTuber Ranveer Allahabadia on his channel 'Beer Biceps': “No one ever doubted his talent but I didn't believe that Kohli would reach the heights he has now. Others may have felt that way but I didn't. Even when he smashed Lasith Malinga in that match for fours – I think we needed some 280 inside 40 overs – he scored a wonderful century.”

Read Also: IPL 2023: “I'm back to playing the way I do”- RCB’s Virat Kohli ahead of the IPL 16

He continued, “So, we knew there was no lacking in talent and that he will score runs but didn't know that he will reach such legendary status and hit 70-75 centuries or score 25000 runs. I was doubtful about that because it's one thing to have talent but how long can you convert it into performances.

Will he be this mentally strong? Today, he has proven everyone including me wrong. The greatness Kohli has reached today is unbelievable. Back in the day, he was pretty normal, just like us. Besides batting and fielding, he used to party and do all that a 19-year-old used to.”

Sehwag signed off by saying, “So, it's not like he did something different when he emerged but he realized it pretty quickly that if he has to play along, he needs to have discipline, even if that means letting go a few things, follow a particular exercise, score big runs. He realized it very early which very few players do. See, with him many players came and went but Kohli was able to cement himself.”

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 24 Mar, 2023

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