NEW DELHI – Virat Kohli has recalled the ‘nerve-wracking’ moments that hehad while entering the Indian cricket team dressing room for the firsttime, which followed the news of his selection that he had watched on TVwith his mother. Kohli also revealed a secret tradition that Indian teamhas followed for all new players.
Kohli, who is currently busy in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018captaining the Royal Challengers Bangalore, made his ODI debut in 2008 andT20I debut in 2010. Kohli had to wait for his Test debut until India’s tourof the West Indies in 2011.
“I clearly remember sitting with my mom and watching the news on the day ofthe selection meeting. My name just flashed on the TV but I thought theymight just be spreading a rumour. Five minutes later, I got a call from theboard. I got goosebumps. I was shaking,” Kohli was quoted as saying byTimes of India.
He added, “I clearly remember walking into the team meeting. I was asked togive a speech in the team room. It was nerve-wracking for me with so manygreat Indian players there. They were looking at me. Which we now do toyounger guys to intimidate them, make them nervous [smiles]. These are myfirst memories.”
The 29-year-old Indian cricket team captain, arguably the best batsmanacross formats among his peers, has redefined the way Indian cricketersapproached their fitness-related activities.
Kohli said he could not imagine himself not doing any physical activityeven if he was not playing cricket. “Even if I was not playing professionalcricket, I can’t imagine myself not doing any physical activity at all,” hesaid.
*‘Need to prioritise’*
Kohli has once again emphasised for every individual to have some kind ofphysical activity culminated in their daily lives. “The survey conducted[by sportswear manufacturer PUMA] shows that people are spending four tofive hours every day on the mobile phone. Technology and social platforms,rather than being helpful, are starting to become harmful. People arelosing sense of what are the important things to do, what are the thingsthey need to do for their mental and physical development,” he said.
Kohli added, “[Kids need to] prioritise. Have a routine: when you need todo physical work, when you need to be on social media, when you need toplay video games, and when you need to do your homework.”
Talking about how the change in fitness levels has affected him as acricketer, Kohli said, “It had to do with playing at a certain level inprofessional sport. I realised that when I started getting fitter, Istarted thinking better. I had more clarity, focus and determination.”
“I started feeling that inside me as soon as I changed my physical regime.Getting fitter makes you confident overall. It makes you feel good aboutyourself. You need to feel good to have good thoughts,” Kohli explained.