Recently, Harbhajan Singh shared little information about the early career journey of Virat Kohli, by throwing light on the spirit of perseverance, determination, and his transformation into becoming a legendary cricketer.
Harbhajan speaks about Virat’s ODI series debut in 2008 followed by his early struggles in the 2011 Test where he first observed Kohli’s burning desire to make a mark and become a star player. The remarkable journey of Virat Kohli which Harbhajan Singh was talking about is how he overcame his self-doubting nature and achieved extraordinary records in the world of cricket.
Not scoring 10,000 runs is like insulting yourself: Says Harbhajan Singh
During a podcast with Taruwar Sushil Kohli, the legendary Indian off-spin bowler Harbhajan Singh opened up on a topic about Virat Kohli. He said that in 2011 when Virat played the debut test series against West Indies, he was very disappointed about himself that he could not perform well.
Harbhajan Singh revived the flashback about how he motivated the young Virat Kohli and the way he had to make him push to greater heights by encouraging him that he was capable of scoring more than 10,000 runs in test cricket.
Here is what Harbhajan Singh exactly spoke saying:
“Yes! Virat Kohli was a very young cricketer back then when we played Test cricket in the West Indies. And, during that tour, former West Indies player Fidel Edwards was so challenging to Virat Kohli by either knocking him out by LBW or delivering a short ball. That is why Virat Kohli felt so disappointed that he was getting out again and again.”
Harbhajan added, saying that “Virat Kohli used to doubt himself and questioned a lot about his abilities and that is when I told him that he would be shaming himself if he doesn’t score 10,000 runs. Also, I reminded him of his talents and encouraged him to believe that he had a great capability of scoring 10,000 runs in Test cricket and if he doesn’t, it will be his fault.”
Virat Kohli’s immeasurable influence on Indian cricket: Harbhajan Singh
Undoubtedly, Virat Kohli is an energetic cricketer whose hunger to perform well is further confirmed by legendary bowler Harbhajan Singh. He further added that Kohli always strived to win the matches not for his personal fame but for the Indian cricket team.
In addition to that, the former spin bowler lauded Virat Kohli for instilling a competitive approach amongst his teammates that has helped India secure victories in many matches.
Here is what Harbhajan Singh further added about Virat Kohli’s change from his early stages:
“Of course! Virat Kohli’s change is impeccable, and I have been seeing him change gradually from his early stages. Be it his mindset, diet, and his aspiring goal of not wanting to be just an ordinary player.
Virat Kohli always wanted to be a player who would be known for a long time. I have observed that Kohli has a great stubbornness which is more than what I have in myself, and he always wanted India to win many matches and score many hundreds for India. That could be witnessed when Virat scored back-to-back centuries in Australia. Although it was the first time that India was chasing a 400-run score. Virat Kohli had a mindset that though we might lose still we would fight it. And, that attitude of keeping it going makes him the best player and has led Virat Kohli to mark an immeasurable impact on Indian Cricket.”
Harbhajan Singh Loves Attitude of Virat Kohli: Taruwar Kohli’s Podcast
Recently, Harbhajan Singh shared an incident where Virat Kohli scored a half-century in his ODI debut series against Sri Lanka, where he felt dissatisfied about his performance.
Harbhajan said “Yes! Now I remember a particular incident where Virender Sehwag was injured and the Sri Lankan bowler Ajantha Mendis was knocking everyone out. That is when this young, charming, chubby guy comes in with a full-packed energy and scores a 50. And, after he got dismissed the first thing he came up to me and asked was how did I play paaji, and I said very well played. But he seemed to be a disappointment, and he said I should not have got out, I could have smashed more. And, that is the energy and attitude I love about Virat Kohli. Because I feel, having that energy and fierce batting style is what makes a perfect player like Virat Kohli, and I am amazed to see him transform day-by-day ever since he made his debut till now.”
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