When Virat Kohli, just finding his feet in professional cricket, joined the Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2008, it wasn’t just the Indian legends like Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble who left a mark on him. Unexpectedly, South African player Mark Boucher became a significant influence.
In a revealing conversation on RCB’s podcast, Bold and Beyond, Kohli recounted how Boucher’s proactive guidance left a lasting impression. “Out of all the players that I played with initially, Mark Boucher had the biggest impact on me as a young kid,” Kohli shared. “He was the only guy I saw who came with the mindset that ‘Okay, I’m going to come in and help some of the young Indian players’.” Boucher didn’t wait for Kohli to ask for assistance; instead, he identified his potential and took the initiative to help develop his skills.
Boucher’s advice was vital, particularly regarding playing the short ball, a weakness he pointed out as crucial for international success. “He was hitting these tennis balls at me at a pace where I was like, if this is what it’s going to take, I don’t think I’ll be able to make it to the next level,” Kohli admitted. But Boucher’s persistence paid off, instilling in Kohli a drive to improve continually.
Kohli’s breakthrough in international cricket wasn’t immediate. Although he debuted in an ODI match against Sri Lanka, replacing Sachin Tendulkar, stability in the national side eluded him initially. Kohli’s determination was tested again during the 2009 Champions Trophy, where he was brought in as a last-minute replacement for the injured Yuvraj Singh.
Reflecting on his first India-Pakistan match in Centurion, Kohli said, “I scored about 16. I tried to hit Shahid Afridi for a six straight down the ground and got caught at long-on. It was a big loss, and I just could not sleep.” This self-doubt was a pivotal moment for Kohli, who was determined to learn from setbacks and push past early failures.
Kohli’s journey from self-doubt to cricketing greatness highlights the importance of mentorship and resilience. Boucher’s role in shaping his early career serves as a testament to the impact experienced players can have on emerging talent.
