‘Always knew he was going to score’: Virat Kohli’s childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma

Virat Kohli’s childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma was optimistic of his ward doing well in the all-important final of the T20 World Cup against South Africa at the Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados on Saturday. Kohli had managed only 75 runs in seven matches of the T20I showpiece and he was under the pump for his mundane performances.

However, he once again showed why he is a big match player as he scored a vital knock of 76 runs off just 59 balls with the help of six fours and two sixes. The talisman was able to hit the ground running, scoring three boundaries in the first over against Marco Jansen. But as India lost three quick wickets, Kohli had to go back to playing the anchor role.

The right-hander added a crucial alliance of 72 runs with Axar Patel, who scored an impressive knock of 31-ball 47 after getting a promotion to number five. Kohli helped India in posting a competitive total of 176 runs on the board and he was awarded Player of the Match for his fine knock.

“I was very sure because if you see his career he has always liked tough situations. He always likes challenges and it was there yesterday. We were 34/3 and needed someone to take the team along. Who else other than Virat would’ve done this? Something he’s been doing throughout his career and has won so many games from this position only. He did it for the country again. I’m really proud of him,” said Rajkumar Sharma in an exclusive conversation with India Today.

“I was very sure, he was playing well and middling it and knew that a big innings was around the corner. Big players are those who score on big occasions and when the team needs it which he has always done,” he added.

After winning the T20 World Cup title, Kohli and Rohit Sharma decided to announce their retirement from T20Is. Sharma backed the duo’s decision to call it a day in the shortest format on the international stage.

“It was a big decision for both and appreciate it. Rohit Sharma has set an example by announcing retirement after winning the world cup. On the other hand, Kohli who was the Player of the Match of that World Cup which is the best performance by any player from there he’s retiring. Both legends are going and it won’t be easy for the next generation to fill this gap but fortunately India have good youngsters and are capable of replacing them. However, they will take time to reach the heights Kohli and Rohit did but we have enough talent,” Rajkumar further said.

Ravindra Jadeja has also followed suit and has announced his retirement from T20Is.