Virat Kohli Credits Rahul Dravid and Vikram Rathour for Resurgence
A New Perspective on a Difficult Journey
In the high-pressure world of international cricket, few figures have experienced the spotlight quite like Virat Kohli. Recently, during his appearance at the RCB Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit in Bengaluru, the legendary batter reflected on a pivotal period in his career—a phase marked by the transition of leadership roles and an uncharacteristic drought in century-making that spanned over three years.
The Weight of Leadership and the Quest for Balance
Virat Kohli’s journey as a leader is well-documented. Following the retirement of the iconic MS Dhoni, Kohli took the reins of the Test side, eventually becoming one of the most successful captains in the history of Indian cricket. With 40 victories in 68 matches, his tenure was defined by aggression, passion, and an relentless drive for excellence.
However, the emotional and mental cost of such a role is often overlooked by spectators and critics alike. Reflecting on his departure from the Test captaincy in early 2022, Kohli provided rare insight into the isolation of the leadership role. He noted, ‘Captaincy is given to take on more challenges. The role of a leader is to manage and sometimes even coach. People who are playing with you and for you, one has to be in a mental state where the focus is on others rather than yourself. But no one was asking how I was doing during my captaincy stint.’
The Support System That Changed Everything
The transition away from captaincy—beginning with his decision to step down from T20I leadership in 2021 and culminating in his resignation from the Test role after the South Africa series in 2022—was not just a professional shift but a deeply personal one. During this period of intense scrutiny, Kohli found unwavering support from then-head coach Rahul Dravid and batting coach Vikram Rathour.
Kohli spoke candidly about how these mentors provided more than just technical advice; they provided a psychological sanctuary. He stated, ‘I have always thanked Rahul Dravid and Vikram Rathour whenever I have met. They took good care of me, which gave me the chance to perform well.’
Understanding the Player Behind the Legend
The connection between Kohli, Dravid, and Rathour was rooted in shared experience. Because both Dravid and Rathour had represented India at the highest level, they possessed a unique empathy for the pressures Kohli was enduring. They understood that the dip in form was not a loss of talent, but a exhaustion of the spirit. Kohli emphasized, ‘Their care and nurturing made me realize all the things I had done. As a player, one doesn’t think about. Both understood because they had played for India as well. Their guidance and care helped me mentally, and I was in a space where cricket was enjoyable once more.’
Moving Forward
This admission sheds light on the human side of professional sports. It serves as a reminder that even the most accomplished icons require support systems, mentorship, and a safe environment to navigate the ebbs and flows of their careers. By stepping back from the captaincy, Kohli was able to prioritize his mental well-being, a move that eventually allowed him to regain his natural rhythm at the crease.
The collaborative environment fostered by the coaching staff allowed the former captain to shed the weight of expectation and reconnect with the simple joy of playing the sport. For fans of the game, this insight into the relationship between a mentor like Dravid and a star like Kohli serves as a testament to the importance of leadership that prioritizes the person as much as the performer.
As Kohli continues to influence the game with his batting prowess, his willingness to speak about this challenging chapter serves as an inspiration to many, proving that true strength often lies in acknowledging the need for help and finding the right people to guide you through the storm.
