‘Virat Is Mentally Tougher…’ When Rahul Dravid Praised Kohli’s Mindset

Rahul Dravid and Virat Kohli during a training session (AP)Rahul Dravid and Virat Kohli during a training session (AP)

Indian head coach Rahul Dravid holds a profound admiration for modern-day batting great Virat Kohli. A legendary batter himself during his Team India playing days, Dravid once hailed Kohli’s ‘mental toughness’ during a CSK event back in 2018.

The speech in contention featured Dravid expressing his admiration for the cricketer, where he also showered invaluable advice for rising talents.

When Rahul Dravid praised Virat Kohli’s ‘toughness’

Back in 2018, Rahul Dravid attended ‘The Muthoot Group Junior Super Kings Chennai Phase Final’ event. The former cricketer also shared some profound words for Virat Kohli on the occasion, while giving some valuable tips to the youngsters.

In a video shared by the CSK franchise on their social media platforms, Dravid can be seen praising Kohli’s ‘mental toughness’ and how it is an aspect that every individual needs to work on by themselves. He said:

“Virat Kohli has as much skills as a lot of others. But Virat Kohli is mentally tougher than anyone else. He knows his game better than anyone else. And nobody can teach you what is going on in your head, only you know.”

Watch: Rahul Dravid’s speech on mental toughness and Virat Kohli

Rahul Dravid took over as Team India head coach around the time when Virat Kohli tendered his resignation as India’s all-format captain in late 2021. The two dazzling personalities, along with then newly-appointed captain Rohit Sharma worked together to take Indian cricket forward in the next two-and-a-half years.

Dravid is currently slated to coach the Indian team at the 2024 T20 World Cup in June in the West Indies and the USA. The tournament will also mark Dravid’s final coaching assignment for the ‘Men in Blue’ as he has decided to not extend his contract with the BCCI.