As the Indian cricket team gears up for the much-anticipated Test series against Bangladesh, young batting sensation Sarfaraz Khan has shared an intriguing anecdote about former captain Virat Kohli. Reflecting on his early days with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Sarfaraz recalled Kohli’s famous pre-match ritual from 2015, which left a lasting impression on him
SOURCE : ZEE
Sarfaraz Khan, who was just 17 years old when he joined RCB, vividly remembers Kohli’s unique approach to pre-match meetings. “His passion and spirit are unmatched. Whenever I saw him, even in the pre-match meetings, he’d take charge and tell everyone how many runs he’d score off a particular bowler and break that down for everyone,” Sarfaraz shared. This level of confidence and meticulous planning was not just motivational but also set a high standard for the entire team.
Source:- bbc news
One of the most memorable moments for Sarfaraz was during an IPL match in 2015, where he scored a quickfire 45 runs off 21 balls against the Rajasthan Royals. Kohli, who was the captain of RCB at the time, acknowledged Sarfaraz’s performance with a bow, a gesture that Sarfaraz cherishes to this day. “I met him at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium for the first time. I had scored 45 runs in 21 balls here and he bowed to me. I had a lot of fun that day,” Sarfaraz reminisced
Sarfaraz also highlighted the invaluable lessons he learned from Kohli during his stint with RCB. “He is clear about his game. He knows the work a player needs to keep doing and that criticism or praise shouldn’t affect your game. ‘This is my work, I have to do this in the morning, this in the afternoon, this in the evening, and sleep at a specific time.’ That’s what I have learned from him,” Sarfaraz explained. Kohli’s disciplined approach and unwavering focus have been a source of inspiration for many young cricketers.
As Sarfaraz prepares to share the Indian dressing room with Kohli for the first time in an international series, his excitement is palpable. The two-match Test series against Bangladesh, starting on September 19 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, will be a significant opportunity for Sarfaraz to further cement his place in the national team. “It was a dream to share an Indian team dressing room with him, and it will come true in the future if I get the opportunity,” Sarfaraz expressed
Kohli’s influence extends beyond his individual performances. His leadership style, characterized by a blend of aggression and strategic acumen, has been instrumental in shaping the team’s dynamics. Sarfaraz’s recount of Kohli’s leadership in pre-match meetings paints a picture of a man whose confidence borders on prophetic. “His ability to predict his performance and then live up to those predictions is not just skill; it’s an art,” Sarfaraz
Noted
The upcoming series against Bangladesh is not just another set of matches; it is a crucial part of India’s preparation for a busy cricketing calendar. Following the Bangladesh series, India will host New Zealand for three Tests starting from October 16, and then embark on the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia from November 22. For head coach Gautam Gambhir, this series will be his first Test assignment, and securing a series win will be a top priority
Sarfaraz Khan’s reflections on Virat Kohli’s pre-match rituals and leadership provide a fascinating glimpse into the mindset of one of cricket’s modern greats. As the Indian team prepares for the Test series against Bangladesh, the influence of Kohli’s passion and discipline will undoubtedly be felt across the squad. Fans and cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the series, hoping to witness more memorable performances and inspiring moments from both seasoned players and emerging talents like Sarfaraz Khan.
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