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"Virat Ko Chhod Do, Dusre Bhai Ko Padhao" Atul Wassan Recalls First Sight Of Kohli As Kid

Akshita Patel

Atul Wassan Recalls First Meet With Virat Kohli [Source: @KrishVK_18, @ANI/X.com]Atul Wassan Recalls First Meet With Virat Kohli [Source: @KrishVK_18, @ANI/X.com]

Years ago, a 12-year-old Virat Kohli arrived at a cricket academy in Delhi, sitting on the front of his father’s scooter, with his kit bag in hand. It was a Sunday morning, and former cricketer Atul Wassan still remembers it like it was yesterday. 

On May 12, Kohli bid farewell to a glorious Test career that spanned over 14 years. In an emotional social media message, the veteran said he is walking away with a lot of gratitude and pride.

Meanwhile, former cricketer Atul Wassan recently recalled the moment he first saw Kohli at Rajkumar Sharma’s academy in Delhi.

When Wassan Spotted Special Talent In Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli first visited coach Rajkumar Sharma’s academy in Delhi when he was just 12. It was a Sunday morning, and former cricketer Atul Wassan still remembers it like it was yesterday. Along with his father and brother Vikas, young Virat came to train under coach Rajkumar Sharma. 

When both brothers were asked to face some balls, it was Virat who impressed immediately. After watching a few of his shots, Wassan joked with Rajkumar and said (via TOI):

“Like every other student, Virat and his brother were asked to pad up and face a few deliveries. One shot, then another, and another. After about ten shots, Wassan and Rajkumar exchanged a glance and jokingly said 'Virat Kohli ko chhod do, dusre bhai ko padha likha lo.' 

“Rajkumar first spotted this boy. He insisted and said ‘no, you must come and see this kid.’ So, I agreed. When I saw him, I knew there was something special about him. It’s hard to explain, but you can just tell when someone has the ‘X-factor.’ His brother and father came too. He said, ‘Just wait for a minute,’ and that’s when we knew he had potential,” he added. 

Virat’s journey was never easy, but his hunger, discipline, and passion made him stand out. At just 18, he played his first Ranji Trophy match, and not long after, he wore the India jersey. From winning matches for India to leading the team to major victories overseas, Kohli became the heartbeat of Indian cricket.

He is now retiring from Test cricket after 123 matches, scoring 9,230 runs with 30 centuries. Though he’s just 700+ runs away from the 10,000-run mark, he says that numbers don’t define him. Instead, it’s about impact, and Virat’s impact is unforgettable.