There is no doubt about the fielding capabilities of former Indian captain Virat Kohli. Throughout his career, Kohli has proved himself as one of the best in the outfield. From taking those spectacular catches to run-outs and diving over the ball to save boundaries, the star batter has shown his brilliant skills both for the team India and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Former team India coach R Sridhar has now come up with a story where he said that Kohli was not a brilliant slip catcher at the beginning of his career and he used to work a lot during the fielding drills. The journey of Virat Kohli in becoming a fabulous slip catcher is full of passion, commitment, and a never-say-no attitude.
While talking to Cricket.com, R Sridhar said,” Virat Kohli has gone on to become one of India’s better slip fielders purely with practice. He was not a very good slip fielder initially because he was too energetic – he was a bundle of energy – and that is Kohli. Not that he is not energetic now. He is still very much there but he is able to know when to be calm and he has channeled his energy better. But I am telling you it’s practice.”
Talking further, the former Indian coach revealed an incident and said that he will ‘take it to his grave. He also revealed some instances where R Sridhar got tired during the fielding session but Kohli kept on going. Sridhar remembers that Kohli had no sign of tiredness on his face.
He quoted, “I have had sessions with him when I have got tired, and I said ‘Virat, that’s enough. But he would ask ‘no, are you tired? I want to catch more. And I am like going on and on… nicking 100 of catches to him. And it’s not just a one-off day. Every series. There are a few days where he takes more than 100 catches per session. And the energy with which he does it is mind-boggling. For me, that’s the sight which I will take with me to my grave… Virat Kohli practicing.”
He further added, “And even for slip catching… hundreds and hundreds of catches. Be it Brisbane, Ahmedabad, or Southampton. Wherever he is. When it comes to fielding, the intensity with which he does it is a lesson; he is a template for any young cricketer to follow. He wants it fast, very specific… ‘give me more to my left, to my right. More one-handed, two-handed. And if he thinks the ball is coming too slow, he will take a few steps forward and challenge his reaction.”
