Cricket legends are made, not born, and in the pantheon of modern greats, Virat Kohli stands tall. In an exclusive interview with us, former South African wicketkeeper-batter Mark Boucher opened up about his early mentorship of Kohli during their time together at Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) from 2008 to 2010. Boucher’s revelations paint a vivid picture of a young, fiery talent on the cusp of greatness, and how their bond shaped Kohli’s approach to the game.
Reflecting on their first encounters, Boucher recalled spotting a ‘feisty’ character in the young Delhi lad. ‘He was easy to talk to, very open to learning from experienced players,’ Boucher shared. ‘But what stood out was this competitive edge, a never-back-down attitude that reminded me of myself as a youngster. Combine that with raw talent, and you’ve got a recipe for success.’
During their time at RCB, Boucher took Kohli under his wing, particularly focusing on tackling the short ball—a litmus test for any batter stepping onto the international stage. ‘I told him, if you come to South Africa or Australia, they’re going to target you with bouncers because you’re from the subcontinent,’ Boucher explained. ‘We worked on techniques in the nets, even using tennis balls to simulate those tough deliveries. It wasn’t pleasant—sometimes you get hit, sometimes it rattles you—but Kohli’s grit shone through. He embraced the challenge.’
Beyond technical skills, Boucher also picked Kohli’s brain on playing spin bowling, a strength ingrained in Indian cricketers from a young age. ‘I wanted to understand their approach, the nuances they develop growing up on turning tracks,’ he said. One conversation that left a lasting impression on Boucher was when he told a young Kohli, ‘You’ve got the talent to play 20 years of IPL, just like Sachin Tendulkar did at the highest level. Who’s to say you can’t be the next Tendulkar?’ Little did he know that Kohli would carve out a legacy uniquely his own.
However, Boucher is quick to dismiss comparisons between the two icons. ‘It’s unfair to both to draw parallels. There’s only one Sachin Tendulkar, and there’s only one Virat Kohli. They are absolute legends in their own right,’ he asserted. Tendulkar, with his serene mastery over 24 years, amassed 15,921 Test runs, while Kohli, with his aggressive flair, redefined Indian cricket, especially as a leader. Under his captaincy, India won 40 out of 68 Tests, making him the country’s most successful Test captain with a win percentage of 58.82%.
Boucher also addressed the labels of arrogance often slapped on Kohli early in his career. ‘I don’t see it as arrogance; I see it as confidence. He wasn’t going to be pushed around by anyone, and that’s how it should be when you represent your country,’ he argued. This attitude, Boucher believes, revolutionized Indian cricket. ‘Before Kohli, perhaps there was a bit of intimidation against aggressive opposition. He changed that. Today’s young Indian cricketers are tougher, more assertive—they don’t stand back for anyone, and that’s Kohli’s legacy.’
From grueling net sessions to casual laughs, the bond between ‘Bach’—as Kohli affectionately calls Boucher—and the Indian superstar remains intact. While their conversations once centered on tackling bouncers, they’ve now evolved to family and fatherhood. ‘It’s heartwarming to see how far he’s come, not just as a cricketer but as a person,’ Boucher smiled.
In Kohli, Boucher saw a future superstar back in 2008, and the prophecy has come true in spectacular fashion. With over 27,000 international runs across formats and 80 international centuries, Kohli’s numbers speak volumes. But beyond stats, it’s his transformative impact—on fitness, aggression, and leadership—that has inspired a generation. As Boucher aptly sums it up, ‘Virat didn’t just play the game; he changed how it’s played in India.’ And for that, cricket fans worldwide will always be grateful.