At the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on January 28, 2025, cricket fans saw a heartwarming sight where Virat Kohli took time off from his Ranji Trophy match preparation with the Delhi team to guide a young cricket enthusiast named Kabir.
Kabir, a fourth grader and son of Shavez—a former age-group cricket teammate of Kohli—approached the cricket icon with a pressing question: “What do I need to do to become an Indian cricketer?” Kohli’s response was both profound and motivational.
He said that one should not wait for external prompts to practice or train. He emphasized self-motivation and dedication. Whereas, the interest should be developed within and on daily basis, one should be willing to practice. Kohli told that if a person can practice for an hour, he should try to practice for two hours. He further elucidated this idea by suggesting that if a peer scores a 50, the aim should be to score a 100; if they score a 100 then aim for a 200. In his words, “Jo benchmark hai us se double”—whatever the benchmark is, strive to double it.
This interaction not only guided young Kabir but also gave a peek into the mentality that has led Kohli to the top rung of international cricket. The emphasis on intrinsic motivation underlines the importance of personal commitment in reaching excellence.
Kohli’s success from being an ordinary young cricketer at Delhi to reaching the status of an international superstar clearly reflects his philosophy. His determination, discipline, and focus toward his goal had been the sole reason for achieving success in his cricketing life. He thus continues to encourage the next generations of cricketers to give their best.
This moment at the Arun Jaitley Stadium is a reminder of values that catapult one to success in sports and life. Kohli advises young Kabir: “You will not go wrong in life as long as you show dedication and work hard towards it. And for your pursuit of excellence, you won’t go wrong.”.
Virat Kohli also met his old friend outside the practice session.