• Home
  • Player Stories
  • When Virat Was 17 Or 18 Years Old Chandu Borde Reveals First Meeting With Indian Superstar

'When Virat Was 17 or 18 Years Old...,' Chandu Borde Reveals First Meeting With Indian Superstar

image-lmrp2yjiVirat Kohli (Source: X/ACC)

The young, aggressive Delhi lad who turned out to be the future Indian skipper and one of the best players in world cricket, Virat Kohli's journey has been nothing short of incredible. Energetic, passionate and determined are the three words that describe the right-hander, and those who know him from his under-19 days understand what kind of personality he is.

One such story has been narrated by former Indian legend Chandu Borde, where he talks about his first meet with youngster Kohli's attitude and the task that BCCI handed him.

Borde, a veteran of 55 Tests, revealed that a few years back, BCCI had sent him to coach a young batch of players in Mohali that included Kohli, who was barely 17 or 18 at that time. Adding that he was aggressive but only in the nets and would utilize the suggestions that were provided to him.

“When he was 17 or 18, North Zone had a coaching camp in Mohali. Kohli was one of the players, and I was sent by the BCCI to coach him and the rest of the guys. I saw him have a very aggressive approach in the nets, also. When you tell him something, he would try to make use of the suggestions in the nets and try to correct himself,"

Furthermore, Borde explained that Kohli is not fond of watching others play and, in fact, always wants to be involved in one thing or the other.

“He puts across his points, has his opinion and does not back out. He accepts points and suggestions only when he is convinced. He doesn’t like to stand and watch others. He likes to do something all the time. He’s been an exciting cricketer right from childhood. He wants to keep on moving. He does not stick to one place. He wants to be in the game all the time when he is on the field,”

Finally, the former cricketer concluded by stating that the 34-year-old is an outstanding person who respects the senior pros, unlike some other players.

"He respects senior players. I met him two years back during the day-night match in Kolkata. The moment he saw me, he came and greeted me. There are some cricketers who still have respect for old cricketers, and Virat Kohli is one of them."

Kohli, who was last involved in India's Asia Cup 2023 victory, will next be seen wearing the blue jersey against Australia in the 3rd ODI before the World Cup takes centre stage.