Former India captain Virat Kohli does not shy away from motivating youngsters or pouring his heart out on the field and off it. But, on April 28, Kohli felt a bit awkward as he was asked to give a speech at a school at the inauguration of his childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma's academy.
"I'm not used to speaking in schools, so this is going to be a bit awkward for me because I moved away from the school setup long ago for cricket, and that's what I'm going to talk about," Kohli said.
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"I understand the environment of a school. I've been through the same process and stage that all you kids are a part of right now. And I can just share from my own experience how my focus and priority changed very early on in my life.”
Kohli recalled taking up sport at early stages of his life and making it his priority. He also conveyed the message to his teachers and family. He wants the young students to be honest with their dreams.
"I chose sport very early on in my life, but that came from a very honest place. I was very sure that I wanted to go ahead and pursue cricket, and I had to be honest with myself, my family, and also my teachers to convey to them that this is the path I want to take," the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) opener said.
"Be honest with your dreams, about what you want to do and follow that dream with absolute commitment. Only you will know whether you are being 100% honest or not."
Kohli also talked about his academy days. He revealed he still visits the academy whenever he gets time.
"I started practising when I was eight years old, and I still continue to come to the academy whenever I get time. And it's a big part of my childhood, and I hope all the kids that come to learn cricket here can value it, can learn something from the academy. And I hope it does wonders for the school, the cricket setup here as well. So, I wish everyone all the very best," said the 37-year-old.
Easy win for RCB
Kohli took time out of his scheduled after RCB's thumping win over Delhi Capitals (DC). RCB bundled out DC for 75 and then chased it down in 6.3 overs. Kohli remained unbeaten for 23 off 15 balls, including a four and two sixes. He hit the winning runs as well. During the innings, he also became the first batter to score 9,000 runs in Indian Premier League (IPL) career.
Kohli in orange cap race
Kohli is fourth in the race for orange cap. From eight innings, he has scored 351 runs at an average of 58.50 and strike rate of 162.50. He has scored three fifties in IPL 2026 already.
RCB will now go up against Gujarat Titans (GT) on April 30 where he will have the chance to reclaim the orange cap.