6 key members who helped Virat Kohli achieve the pinnacle
Virat Kohli hailed from a middle-class neighborhood in Delhi and had to struggle through his early days. He oozed talent but he was often criticized for his attitude. Many labeled him as a "show phony" during his younger days.
Yet, there were a few people who believed in his capabilities and encouraged him not to change. The advice and support he received during his younger days laid the foundation in him in terms of values, skill and attitude.
Let us look into the key people in Kohli's life who transformed him as a cricketer and also a human being.
Parents - Premnath Kohli and Saroj
Virat has been deeply influenced by his parents and has always spoken about their sacrifices. In fact, it was his father's dream that Virat should be a cricketer. His father Prem Kohli, a lawyer by profession decided that his 8-year old son should join a cricket academy. Prem Kohli would drop the young Virat to school and also pick him up from his cricket practice. Virat's mother, Saroj was a doting housewife who would manage the household and her three children.
There was a time when Virat was scoring tons of runs at the U-13 level but he was not selected in the Delhi team. This made the young Kohli battle-hardened. Virat would also observe how his parents managed their finances but ensured their children had all the comforts. Prem Kohli died at 3 am on December 18, 2006, and this had a deep influence on Virat.
Virat wrote a sweet message to his mother on "mothers day" calling her a "very strong woman". Today he has made her proud with his cricketing achievements and she was there by his side when he won Khel Ratna and Padmashri. Virat's first ever tattoo was dedicated to his parents when he got "Prem" and "Saroj" inked on his body.