Virat Kohli Never Lost His Focus In IPL: Irfan Pathan

Virat Kohli who is the highest run-scorer in IPL history with 5412 runs from 177 matches averaging 37.84 was recalled in his early days by two legendary bowlers Irfan Pathan and Harbhajan Singh. Irfan Pathan, the former Indian cricketer spoke about skipper Virat Kohli’s demeanor in his younger days. He highlighted that the current Indian skipper used to enjoy playing in the IPL, and would have a great time both on and off the field.

He was a member of the India team that won the 2007 ICC World Twenty20 as a bowling all-rounder. The pacer last played for India in 2012 and played for Punjab, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and defunct Pune and Gujarat franchises till 2017.

Virat Kohli Never Loses Focus And Is Hungry For Success: Irfan Pathan

But while many get lost in the glamour of IPL, Irfan Pathan stated that Virat Kohli never lost his focus and understood his purpose at a very young age. His ruthless fitness regime and never-ending hunger for success have made him a successful player across all three formats.

“Whenever I used to watch Kohli in the IPL, I used to see only one man. A young man who is enjoying both on the field as well as off the field. But he never sidelined cricket. The good thing is that he always kept his focus on cricket. This is why he is one of the best players in the world right now and it shows how much commitment he has,” Irfan Pathan told Star Sports.

In ODIs, Virat Kohli has the second-highest number of centuries and the highest number of centuries in run-chases in the world. He was appointed as the team’s captain for the 2013 season.

Virat Kohli Is Made For Future As Harbhajan Singh Recalls Fist Encounter In IPL

Harbhajan Singh recalled his first encounter with Virat Kohli when he hit a six and the spinner realized he was one for the future. Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh also recalled his first encounter when he played for Mumbai Indians in IPL with a young Virat Kohli. He had heard about Virat Kohli from former Indian coach Lalchand Rajput.

In a game between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore, Virat Kohli stepped out and hit Sanath Jayasuriya for a six. His fearless attitude and body language convinced Harbhajan Singh that he was going to become a great player.

“I had heard Virat’s name before the IPL auction from Lalchand Rajput. In a an IPL game, I was the captain of the Mumbai Indians and Kohli hit Jayasuriya for a six by stepping out of his crease. He was not afraid of the fact that a man of Jayasuriya’s stature was bowling to him. That showed me that he is one for the future,” Harbhajan said.

Virat Kohli will be leading the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2020 edition of the IPL with an eye on ending their wait for that elusive maiden IPL title. RCB will play their first game against the Sunrisers Hyderabad on 21st September at Dubai.