DRIVEN The VIRAT KOHLI Story

 Making a Mark in Junior Cricket

Having missed the selection the first time, Virat worked furiously to force his way into the side. He was the most talked about young talent in Delhi, but the state selectors were not convinced. They were not sure if he was ready for stiffer challenges at the zonal level. However nothing could have been more preposterous. The mandarins at the Ferozeshah Kotla took time to discover Virat potential. Once his coach managed to swing their opinion, thanks to his dogged persistence, there was no stopping Virat as he prepared himself to chase his dreams.

His Journey began in 2002 at the modest Luhnu Cricket Ground, in Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh, with a Polly Umrigar Trophy match against the host. He batted fifty-nine balls and scored fifteen runs. He was obviously disappointed. Delhi umpire Devendra Sharma officiated in that game, with R.P. Singh, and had fond memories to share ."I can recall a few rousing drives that he played on the on side. He was the most enthusiastic player among both the teams, and there was a touch of brilliance in what he did at the crease. Even the style with which he asked for the guard displayed maturity. In later years, I saw him grow, and I say he has learned his lessons well. I don't remember much about others, but I can recall that he was the most busy and involved lovely environs. He got a few balls on the pad, but it was understandable. He appeared confident though."

'It is during this phase that virat earned a nickname'- "CHIKOO"