Teachers' Day Special: 5 things Virat Kohli has taught us

If someone utters the word ‘teacher’ and asks its synonymous equivalent to cricket, the first names that would crop up in one’s mind would be either Gavaskar, Tendulkar or Dravid.

These gifted sportsmen have ground it out and made a name for themselves through sheer honesty, integrity and hard work. There are no reservations on the number of learnings these greats have passed on to the next generation.

Now, while our generation has enjoyed watching them play on television and respected the way they've carried themselves, we’ve never quite connected to them the way we've connected to Kohli.

Kohli is the personification of excellence, valour and grit along with a never-say-die attitude. He is someone who carries the burden of the Indian cricket team on his shoulders, just like his predecessor, Sachin, did in the 90s.

Now, while his talent on the field is unprecedented, one might question whether his attitude is worthy of youngsters to emulate.

Yes, he is someone who has no qualms about showing his middle finger on the playing field.

Yes, he is someone who has abused reporters interfering in practice sessions.

Yes, he is someone your traditional 60-year-old uncle would call ‘asanskaari.’

Yet, in my opinion, the greatness of Kohli lies far beyond these trivial things.

Here are the 5 things that epitomize his stature - not only as a cricketer, but also as a human being.

Give your 100%, no matter what

England v India: Specsavers 1st Test - Day Two

“ It does not matter who says what about me, as long as I give my 100%, I’m not answerable to anyone.” – Virat Kohli.

Virat has always focused on pushing the boundaries to achieve goals - be it in batting, captaincy or fitness. He is someone who isn't shy to admit that he likes taking captaincy tips from Dhoni; someone who has transformed from a chubby kid to a world-class athlete; someone who is on his way to scoring more runs in the game than anyone ever has. The reason for all of this, is that he gives more than a 100%, every breathing moment, with a razor-sharp focus on his only goal - To make India the number one cricketing nation.

Here is a story not many know about Kohli –

At the end of the day's play during the 4th Test of England’s tour of India 2016, in Mumbai, Virat Kohli was unbeaten on over a 100 runs. Yet, 2 hours after the scheduled close of play, he was seen at the gym of Trident hotel, Nariman Point for a 2-hour session.

“I want to run my 100th run as fast as I run my first run,” said Kohli. “I’m really tired right now, but if I don’t work out when I’m tired, how will I push myself to sprint for that extra second run when I’m batting on the ground?”

This one incident underlines his commitment to the game. How many, after scoring a century in the Mumbai heat, would still go and workout in the gym after the day’s play?

Kohli went on to score 235 runs in that Test match and was rightly adjudged as player of the match.

Stand up for the love of your life

There was a phase in Virat Kohli’s career when he wasn’t performing well with the bat, and the entire country was blaming his girlfriend, Anushka Sharma for it. People were throwing stones at her, stating she was the reason why Virat was not able to focus on his game.

At such a time, he put out an Instagram post publicly shaming those who blamed Anushka for his failure. Virat has always stated that his wife is his biggest support system who has always motivated him to perform better. He even dedicated his recent ton in England to his wife by kissing his wedding ring after reaching a 100.

People will come and go, people will say good things one day and bad things another. But, it is only your family and those close to you who will always stick by you. And it’s your duty to stand up to them in bad times and thank them during the good times.

Don’t wash dirty linen in public

No two human beings are the same. No two minds think alike.

Sometimes, perspectives differ. Sometimes, points of view differ.

Sometimes, there is conflict between members of the same family/fraternity. This doesn’t mean one is wrong and the other is right. It just means that they view things differently, and prefer taking different routes to reach the same destination. At such a time of conflict, one must always live with dignity and not undermine the other person’s opinion.

During the spat between him and ex-India head coach Anil Kumble, Kohli maintained utmost dignity, respecting the seniority of Kumble and never let out a word against him, even when Anil Kumble publicly stated that his views don’t match with Kohli's. Virat maintained dignity on the issue by stating that what happens inside the sanctity of the dressing room, should stay inside.

It’s a really important lesson to learn from him – respect your seniors and don’t wash dirty linen in public.

Lead from the front to command respect

India v South Africa - ICC Champions Trophy

Be it fitness, performance or attitude – Virat Kohli has led from the front and raised the bar for the Indian cricket team. In order to command other batsmen to step up, he scored centuries in difficult conditions in Australia and in England. In order to urge the entire cricket team to increase their fitness levels, he became a fitness freak from an unhealthy chubby kid.

It is really important for a leader to practice what he preaches. Virat Kohli has personified that and commanded respect from the entire cricket team by leading from the front.

Being hated for what you are is better than being loved for what you’re not

Virat Kohli is authentic, unapologetic and completely true to himself. He doesn’t wear a façade to hide his true self, be it on the field or off it. He is often compared to the legends of the game like Gavaskar or Tendulkar, but he doesn’t try to emulate them.

Heroes before him in Indian cricket were soft-spoken, humble gentlemen. However, Kohli is like a fearsome warrior who calls a spade, a spade and doesn’t give a damn about being diplomatic.

It’s really important to be true to your self no matter what, only then will you actually succeed in life. And Virat Kohli has done that.