Published: Feb 29, 2012, 10:52 AM (IST)
Edited: Feb 29, 2012, 10:52 AM (IST)
Virat Kohli celebrates after smashing 133* to give India a much-needed win in the CB Series © Getty Images
Mumbai: Feb 29, 2012
After making mockery of Sri Lanka’s daunting score with a career-best knock of 133* at Hobart on Tuesday, Virat Kohli quickly called up his coach Rajkumar Sharma to get the first reaction from his mentor.
The Delhi boy was curious to know what his childhood coach had to say.
“How was it Sir? Mazaa aaya? (enjoyed it?),” Kohli’s coach told MID DAY on Tuesday. “Of course,” was his reply.
Kohli’s ferocious knock not only gave India the win they desperately needed, but also helped them gain a crucial bonus point to stay in the hunt for a place in the CB Series finals.
Sharma said he knew his student was determined to do well at Hobart on Tuesday. “He was confident as always before the game. He was in good touch and had told me that a big inning is just around the corner. Fortunately, it happened to be today. It was his best knock,” said the proud coach, who claimed to be in regular touch with his lad during the tour.
“We used to analyse his game and where he was going wrong. I suggested him to avoid playing on the on side and across early in his innings. I asked him to play in the cover region as much as possible,” he added.
“He wanted to prove everyone wrong… wanted to show that he belonged here”, said Sharma, mentioning how the aggressive cricketer was fired up when his place in the team was under the scanner.
“But I told him to just calm down and not think too much about critics. I asked him to stick to basics and concentrate on the job at hand. I had to make him understand to not get carried away with all this, as they are part of every sportsperson’s life.
I am glad he has grown in stature on this tour. It (the experience) will elevate him to greater success in his career,” he concluded.
Virat Kohli’s epic 133 not out at Hobart against Sri Lanka
