Virat Kohli Credits MS Dhoni and Gary Kirsten for Shaping His Iconic No. 3 Role
Virat Kohli, often hailed as one of the greatest batters in modern cricket, has etched his name in history with his mastery at the No. 3 position. Out of his staggering 27,599 international runs, a remarkable 15,303 have come while batting at this pivotal spot. But behind this monumental success lies a tale of mentorship, belief, and relentless grit—a story Kohli recently shared in a heartfelt interview with Mayanti Langer.
In a candid revelation, Kohli attributed his journey to the No. 3 slot to two key figures: former India captain MS Dhoni and coach Gary Kirsten. During the iconic 2011 ODI World Cup, when Dhoni led the team to glory and Kirsten provided strategic brilliance, they saw something special in the young Kohli. ‘Gary and MS made it very clear to me that they were backing me to play at No. 3,’ Kohli recalled. ‘They valued my energy, my engagement on the field, and believed I could contribute significantly to the team from that position.’
Kohli admitted that early in his career, he didn’t see himself as a natural talent or a technically flawless player. ‘I was very realistic about my abilities. I had seen others play, and I didn’t feel my game was anywhere close to theirs,’ he said. What set him apart, however, was his unwavering determination. ‘The only thing I had was the will to do anything to make my team win. That’s why I got chances initially, and that’s what MS and Gary backed.’
This faith from his captain and coach became the cornerstone of Kohli’s growth. Over time, he honed his technique and evolved into a batsman of unparalleled consistency, driven by a hunger to be the best in the world. ‘I was never shy to admit that I wasn’t the most gifted player. But I was keen to learn, to get better, and that desire to win more games for my team helped me improve,’ he added. His journey from a gritty youngster to a global cricketing icon is a testament to his work ethic and adaptability.
Beyond his international exploits, Kohli also opened up about his deep-rooted connection with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). At 36, having spent half his life representing RCB, he remains one of the rare one-team players in the league’s history. Yet, there was a moment of doubt. During the peak of his career between 2016 and 2019, when he was captaining both India and RCB while facing immense pressure, Kohli considered exploring other options. ‘I had constant suggestions to switch. It got really tough—captaining India for 7-8 years, RCB for nine, and the relentless expectations from batting. I was always under scrutiny,’ he confessed.
However, loyalty and mutual respect triumphed over temptation. Drawing inspiration from sporting legends like Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) and Francesco Totti (Roma), who stayed with their clubs through thick and thin, Kohli chose to stay with RCB. ‘I asked myself, what’s more valuable? Starting afresh in a new setup with uncertainties or cherishing the relationship I’ve built over years? I decided that mutual respect matters more, whether we win or not,’ he asserted. This decision reflects Kohli’s commitment to legacy over fleeting glory.
Reflecting on his place among global sporting icons like Michael Jordan, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Lionel Messi, Kohli humbly acknowledged the influence of loyalty-driven athletes like Gerrard and Totti. His story isn’t just about numbers—be it his 80 international centuries or his over 7,000 IPL runs for RCB—it’s about the values of perseverance, sacrifice, and staying true to one’s roots.
As Kohli continues to inspire millions, his revelations about the role of Dhoni and Kirsten, and his unwavering bond with RCB, remind us why he’s not just a cricketer but a symbol of grit and loyalty. From battling self-doubt to becoming a cornerstone of Indian cricket, Virat Kohli’s journey at No. 3 is a masterclass in embracing challenges and turning belief into brilliance.