Virat Kohli, one of the most iconic cricketers of the modern era, has opened up about his early struggles and the unwavering determination that propelled him to the top. In a candid reflection, Kohli acknowledged that he wasn’t seen as a natural match-winner at the beginning of his career, but it was his strong mindset and refusal to give up that made all the difference.
“I was never looked at as this outright match-winner who could change the game from anywhere,” Kohli told in The RCB Podcast. “But I had this thing — I was going to stay in the fight, I wasn’t going to give up. That is what they backed.”
His words shed light on the lesser-seen side of a cricketer who today is admired for his consistency and aggression. Kohli stressed that he lacked the technical perfection or natural flair of some of his peers, but his commitment to learning and growth set him apart.
“I’ve never been shy to admit that I was not the most technically sound or naturally gifted player,” he said. “I evolved a lot while playing because I was very keen to learn, very keen to get better.”
This relentless drive to improve, he believes, was crucial to his development. “I wanted to be the best — there’s no denying that. I wanted to be the best. And that hunger, that desire to keep improving, to eventually win more games for my team, is what helped me improve my game,” Kohli added.
A vital part of Kohli’s journey was the early support he received from then-coach Gary Kirsten and captain MS Dhoni. Their faith in a young Kohli gave him the foundation he needed to blossom into a world-class player. He has often credited both for backing him during formative years, particularly in the pivotal number three batting position.
Their belief gave him the confidence to grow, and he went on to become not only a prolific batsman across all formats but also one of India’s most successful captains. His leadership tenure saw India winning key matches and tournaments, and his performances consistently set new benchmarks.
Now celebrated as a modern great, Kohli’s journey is a testament to the power of grit, mentorship, and an unrelenting hunger for excellence — qualities that continue to inspire cricket fans worldwide.
