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Vijay Lokapally's reflection on Virat Kohli transcends a mere biographical account; it is a deeply personal and insightful exploration of a cricketer who embodied passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to the sport. Kohli's decision to step away from Test cricket, a format he held in the highest regard, marked a significant moment, placing him among the pantheon of cricketing legends like Don Bradman, Garry Sobers, Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, and Viv Richards. These individuals not only dominated their respective eras but also left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of fans and the cricketing fraternity alike. Lokapally's narrative weaves together anecdotes and observations, providing a unique perspective on Kohli's journey from a promising junior cricketer to an international icon. The story begins in Delhi, where both Virender Sehwag and Virat Kohli faced initial setbacks, being rejected by talent spotters and junior selectors. This early adversity, however, served as a catalyst, fueling their determination to prove their worth. They responded by amassing runs, effectively silencing the doubters and forcing a reevaluation of their potential. Lokapally, while working on Kohli's biography, discovered a widespread admiration for his dedication to the game. His contribution to Delhi cricket was universally acknowledged, with coaches and colleagues consistently highlighting his remarkable ability to adapt and excel. Kohli's passion for cricket was insatiable; he would have played ceaselessly if given the opportunity. Lokapally vividly recalls Kohli's transformation upon entering the field, describing him as being in a 'different zone.' His restlessness after net sessions led him to engage in fielding drills or bowl to teammates, his infectious energy uplifting everyone around him. Watching Kohli bat in the nets was akin to witnessing Tendulkar's mastery, a joy to behold. He constantly experimented with his shots, particularly against fast bowlers, routinely requesting bouncers from shorter distances as preparation for international challenges. His exceptional ability to handle pace impressed both coaches and teammates, a skill honed through countless hours of practice. Kohli's dedication extended to domestic games, which he viewed as essential for maintaining his competitive edge. He thrived on challenging pitches, seeing them as opportunities to test his survival skills. Lokapally emphasizes Kohli's eagerness to discuss cricket, even after returning from international tours. His presence on the dressing-room balcony during Delhi's matches had a palpable effect, boosting energy levels and intensifying the desire to compete. This competitive spirit was deeply rooted in the hard-nosed culture of Delhi cricket, where young players had to fight for their place. Kohli embraced this challenge, constantly striving to move up the ranks and take on senior bowlers. His coaches had to manage his enthusiasm to prevent burnout, such was his obsession with batting early and facing the best. Kohli's happiest moments were spent among cricketers. His wedding reception in Delhi served as a testament to this, as he invited all his coaches and colleagues from his junior cricket days. He regularly mentored younger players, offering advice and guidance based on his observations. While he had little patience for laziness and was not afraid to voice his displeasure, he always ensured to follow up with a private conversation to reassure the player of their value. Notably, Kohli possessed the grace to apologize when he overstepped the line. Lokapally draws parallels between Kohli and Sehwag, highlighting their shared confidence and self-belief. Sehwag played a crucial role in mentoring Kohli, providing subtle reminders when he sensed a loss of focus. Kohli responded positively, consistently striving not to disappoint his mentor. He was a natural motivator, frequently providing high-quality equipment to young batters in Delhi. Despite his demanding international schedule, Kohli remained well-informed about the local cricket scene and held the seniors of Delhi's past in high regard. Lokapally recounts an incident during the inaugural Bishan Singh Bedi Lecture in 2017, where Kohli was honored by the legendary left-arm spinner. Despite being delayed by traffic, Kohli kept the organizers updated and expressed genuine remorse for his late arrival. The audience was deeply moved when he touched Bedi's feet on stage, a gesture that resonated profoundly with the cricketing legend. Another anecdote highlights Kohli's compassionate nature. When a young girl battling a serious illness requested a video message from him, Kohli immediately recorded a heartfelt greeting. Lokapally contrasts this with the reluctance of some sporting icons to engage in such acts of kindness. He also shares a story about Kapil Dev, who recorded a video message for a friend critically ill with Covid, which miraculously aided in the patient's recovery. These instances underscore the powerful impact sporting heroes can have, often serving as the best medicine. Lokapally reminisces about an exclusive interview he conducted with Kohli in late 2015. Kohli offered to come to Lokapally's home, but security concerns led to a change of plans. Instead, Kohli invited Lokapally to his new home in Gurugram, where they conducted an unforgettable interview over a sumptuous breakfast. At the launch of Lokapally's book on Kohli, the cricketer arrived an hour early, mingled with the crowd, and showed no signs of discomfort despite being mobbed by fans. He thoroughly enjoyed the event, which featured appearances by Kapil Dev, Sehwag, Anil Kumble, and Ravi Shastri. Kohli later tweeted about the book, expressing his gratitude to Lokapally. Lokapally vividly recounts a Ranji Trophy match in December 2006, a day marked by profound personal tragedy for Kohli. Despite losing his father the previous night, Kohli insisted on playing, determined to save the follow-on for his team. He refused to leave, even when urged to do so by his captain. Lokapally spent ten minutes with Kohli, witnessing firsthand his unwavering resolve to prioritize the team's needs above his own grief. The Karnataka team shared in his sorrow before he took to the field. Kohli scored 90 before being controversially dismissed, only then leaving for his father's cremation. Lokapally emphasizes that this act of selflessness marked a turning point in Kohli's journey to playing for India. In conclusion, Vijay Lokapally's reflections on Virat Kohli paint a portrait of a cricketer who embodies the spirit of the game. His fierce dedication, competitive spirit, and compassion have left an enduring legacy on Delhi cricket and the sport as a whole. Lokapally considers it a privilege to have followed Kohli's career and shares these poignant moments. Test cricket will undoubtedly be diminished by Kohli's absence, but his contributions will continue to inspire generations of cricketers to come.
The anecdotes shared by Lokapally paint a picture of Kohli as not just a supremely talented cricketer but also a deeply human individual. His early struggles, the mentorship he received, and the values he upheld throughout his career shaped him into the icon he is today. The initial rejections by Delhi's talent scouts, rather than discouraging him, fueled his determination to prove them wrong. This resilience is a testament to his character and his unwavering belief in his abilities. The influence of Virender Sehwag is evident in Kohli's approach to the game. Sehwag's reminder about focus when Kohli seemed to waver highlights the importance of mentorship and the impact that senior players can have on the development of younger talent. Kohli's quick response and his commitment to never disappointing Sehwag again speaks volumes about his respect for his mentor and his dedication to upholding the values instilled in him. His generosity in providing high-quality equipment to young batters in Delhi showcases his commitment to giving back to the community that nurtured him. Despite his global fame and demanding schedule, he remained connected to his roots, staying informed about the local cricket scene and honoring the legends of Delhi cricket. This sense of gratitude and his willingness to support aspiring cricketers are commendable qualities that set him apart. The incident at the Bishan Singh Bedi Lecture further underscores Kohli's humility and respect for his predecessors. Despite being late due to traffic, he made sure to apologize and showed genuine remorse for the delay. His gesture of touching Bedi's feet on stage was a symbol of his reverence for the traditions and legacy of the game. This humility, combined with his fierce competitiveness, makes him a role model for aspiring cricketers around the world. The stories of Kohli's compassion for those in need are particularly touching. His willingness to record a video message for a young girl battling a serious illness and his support for a friend critically ill with Covid demonstrate his empathy and his understanding of the power of sport to inspire hope and healing. These acts of kindness, often performed quietly and without fanfare, reveal the depth of his character and his commitment to using his platform to make a positive impact on the lives of others. The interview with Lokapally, conducted in Kohli's new home in Gurugram, offers a glimpse into his life off the field. The fact that he invited Lokapally to his home, despite the security concerns, speaks to his openness and his willingness to connect with people on a personal level. The launch of Lokapally's book on Kohli was another occasion where the cricketer's humility and accessibility were on full display. He arrived early, mingled with the crowd, and showed no signs of discomfort despite being mobbed by fans. His genuine enjoyment of the event and his appreciation for the book are a testament to his respect for Lokapally and his willingness to celebrate his achievements with those who have supported him along the way. The Ranji Trophy match in December 2006, where Kohli played despite the tragic loss of his father, is perhaps the most poignant example of his dedication and selflessness. His refusal to leave the field, his determination to save the follow-on for his team, and his eventual score of 90 are a testament to his unwavering commitment to his teammates and his sport. This act of courage and resilience, performed in the face of unimaginable grief, cemented his place as a true cricketing icon.
Kohli's impact on Delhi cricket extends beyond his individual achievements. He inspired a generation of young cricketers to dream big and to believe that they too could achieve greatness. His success on the international stage brought recognition and prestige to Delhi cricket, and his contributions to the local scene helped to raise the standard of the game. He served as a role model for aspiring cricketers, demonstrating the importance of hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in one's abilities. His commitment to giving back to the community, through his mentorship of young players and his support for local cricket initiatives, ensured that his legacy would continue to inspire future generations. Lokapally's tribute to Kohli is not just a celebration of his cricketing achievements but also a reflection on the values that define him as a person. His fierce dedication, his competitive spirit, his humility, and his compassion are all qualities that make him a true role model for aspiring athletes and for all those who strive to make a positive impact on the world. As Kohli steps away from Test cricket, his absence will undoubtedly be felt by fans around the world. However, his contributions to the game will continue to inspire generations of cricketers to come. His legacy will live on not only through his records and his achievements but also through the values he embodied and the positive impact he had on the lives of those around him. Vijay Lokapally's insightful and personal account of Virat Kohli's journey provides a valuable perspective on the making of a cricketing legend. It is a story of resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence, and it serves as a reminder that true greatness is not just about talent but also about character and the willingness to give back to the community. Kohli's impact on the game of cricket, and on the lives of those he has touched, will continue to be felt for many years to come. His story is an inspiration to us all, reminding us that with hard work, dedication, and a unwavering belief in ourselves, we can achieve anything we set our minds to. The legacy of Virat Kohli, as beautifully captured by Vijay Lokapally, is one that will continue to inspire and motivate generations to come. It is a story of not just a cricketer, but of a human being who has touched the hearts of millions through his passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence. As he embarks on the next chapter of his career, we can be sure that he will continue to inspire us with his talent, his leadership, and his unwavering spirit.
Source: Vijay Lokapally on the Virat Kohli he knows: Fierce, loyal, ours