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Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa has shared insights into Virat Kohli’s remarkable journey from a spirited young Delhi cricketer to a deeply engaged individual.
Uthappa witnessed Kohli’s growth firsthand during their time together at Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2009 and 2010. Back then, Kohli was navigating the challenges of transitioning to the highest echelons of the sport. Despite being highly regarded, few could have predicted the extraordinary heights he would eventually achieve.
During those early years, Kohli was still developing his fitness regimen and lifestyle choices. Like many young talents, he enjoyed socializing and had yet to fully refine his dietary habits. However, Kohli soon took decisive steps to overhaul his approach. Through dedicated effort, both in improving his batting skills and his physical fitness, Kohli rapidly ascended to become arguably the world’s premier all-format cricketer.
Robin Uthappa on Virat Kohli’s evolution
Reflecting on Kohli’s transformation, Robin Uthappa hailed it as remarkable, emphasizing that the former Indian captain is now harvesting the seeds he planted 15 years ago. Uthappa also highlighted Kohli’s unwavering self-assurance, noting that his profound belief in his capabilities fuels his success.
“I have actually seen Virat kind of evolve from a brash young Delhi boy to an involved human being. You know the evolution has been quite tremendous to be honest. Today he’s practically reaping what he had sown 15 years ago,” Robin Uthappa told Cricket.com.
“One of the things that has always stood out to me about chiku has been his conviction in himself. When I listen to a young 19-year-old Virat Kohli, you know talking about himself or his conviction in himself, you’ll get mortified, you’ll be like ‘what is this dude talking about’.
“But fast forward 10 years and you be like ‘okay now that makes sense’. He saw it, he believed it before a lot of us even saw it. I don’t think I’ve ever said it but I think his his level of conviction and manifestation is driven purely by his confidence in himself and that could be a very Delhi thing,” he added.
Currently, Kohli stands among cricket’s most illustrious batsmen, having amassed prolific runs against every cricketing nation. For over a decade, he has epitomized the sport’s essence.
His international tally exceeds 26,000 runs, adorned with 80 centuries and 140 half-centuries. Recently, Kohli showcased his prowess during the T20 World Cup, notably guiding India to victory in the final against South Africa. Post this triumph, he announced his retirement from T20Is, marking a significant transition in his career.
