MUMBAI: Virat Kohli has been in sublime touch in the 2025 IPL season, tallying 443 runs in 10 matches. However, Kohli credits part of his early IPL growth to a significant mentor from his early days—Mark Boucher.
Also read - IPL 2025: KL Rahul’s Bat breaks in training, Axar Patel has a hilarious take on it
In a preview clip of an upcoming RCB podcast shared on the franchise's official X handle, Kohli shared how the former South African cricketer shaped his mindset during the formative phase of his IPL journey.
“Out of all players I played with initially, Boucher had the biggest impact on me. He figured out what my weaknesses could be. If I wanted to go to the next level, this is what I need to do, without me asking him anything," Kohli recalled. "He told me that ‘when I come to commentate in India three-four years from now and I do not see you playing for India, you would do a disservice to yourself.’ So he really stunned me with the conversations he had with me.”
Mark Boucher represented Royal Challengers Bangalore between 2008 and 2010, overlapping with Kohli’s early career before his Test debut. During his stint, Boucher played 27 matches for RCB, scoring 388 runs at an average of 29.85, including one half-century.
Kohli also expressed gratitude for the fans: “The love that I have received from the fans, I do not think any silverware or any trophy can come close to that,” he said.
Following his retirement from T20Is, Kohli clarified that his approach hasn’t changed much. “The decision (to leave T20Is) was taken purely understanding that there is a new set of players who are more than ready… they need a 2-year cycle to evolve, handle pressure, play in different parts of the world… to the point where when the World Cup comes, they feel like they are ready,” he explained.
Currently, Kohli sits third in the list of top run-scorers this season, averaging 63.28 with a strike rate around 139. He has notched six fifties, with a best score of 73*.
Also read - IPL 2025: Sunil Gavaskar playing with a Robo Dog is going to be the highlight of the day
Stay tuned to tellychakkar.com for more updates from the world of entertainment.
Add new comment