Virat Kohli describes his journey towards excellence 

The much-awaited National Geography's TV show named Mega Icons, hosted by R. Madhavan, aired its first episode on the 24th of September about the life story of the captain of the Indian Cricket Team, Virat Kohli. The show depicts the odyssey of a guy from the streets of Old Delhi, rising through the ranks to become a pioneer in the world of cricket.

It ventures to give the common man understanding of the struggles, and harsh circumstances their beloved hero faced in his life, and how he overcame it. In addition to that, the show progressed based on some scientific research and analysis by concerned experts. Upcoming episodes on other icons like Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, Kamal Hasan, Dalai Lama and Kiran Bedi shall continue the series.

Virat spoke with Nat Geo for the show Mega Icons

Indian skipper Virat Kohli is undoubtedly the best modern-day batsman by a mile. The Delhi born sensation has amassed over 18000+ international runs in his decade-long career so far, at a staggering average of 50+. Virat firmly holds the no.1 spot in ICC batsman rankings, both in ODIs and Tests. Currently, he is on a break, after a superb performance with the bat on the tour of England.

The show discusses some butterfly moments which changed his life forever. It is believed that the flapping of the butterfly's wings can cause a tornado, the occurrence of a small event can lead to something big happening in the future.

#1 A legend was born

The 'butterfly' moment came in April 1998, nine-year-old when Virat was watching cricket with his father on the television. Legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar was engaged in a furious battle with mighty Australians, magnificent tons from the master paved the way for men in blues to clinch the Coca-Cola Cup.

Each swing from the willow of the Little Master was a hammer that sculpted the world's greatest chase master. Virat himself stated - "Sachin was not a cricketer, he was an emotion. His tons against Australia changed my perspective on the game". His father, on seeing his passion towards the game took him to a cricket academy coached by Rajkumar Sharma.

#2 Rising through the ashes

Kohli led team India wins 2008 U19 World cup

Virat, the child, was practising with the senior batch and his technique improved over the years. Just like the other dream runs, this one had the end too. The transformation of Virat, the kid with precision to Virat, the aggressor came in 2006.

Kohli was playing a four-day long Ranji match for his home state Delhi when the sad demise of his father took place. Prem Nath Kohli was facing some stress issues, due to a business imbalance which led to cardiac arrest, the cause of his death.

An 18-year-old whose father died in his arms a few hours ago came to bat, to save the match for his team. A team-mate of Kohli described how Virat called his coach and cried not because his father passed away, but because he was given out due to an umpire misjudgement.

#3 Way to excellence

Kohli's 183* helps India thump Pakistan in the 2012 Asia Cup

2012 was perhaps the turning event in Virat's life. Despite making into the ODI and Test squad, Virat's attitude and consistency were letting him down. He faced both praises and criticism for who he was, an arrogant, angry young man.

Kohli had a great Australian tour with the bat, along with infamous middle-finger scandal which got him a lot of criticism from the cricketing world. The most crucial butterfly moment came then, " I was eating really bad, drinking, partying. I had no discipline in life", Virat confessed.

He further added- "After a poor IPL season, I returned my home. I took a shower and saw myself in the mirror, I was shocked, there is no way you can look like this as a professional athlete".

He saw one path leads to self-destruction and, other to salvation.

Virat himself said, "From the very next day, I planned my training routine, my diet and brought discipline to my life".

Furthermore, the meaning of all the tattoos Virat has inked is adequately studied. Experts analysed how the inking of several incidents and shapes was clinical in the development of this mega-icon. This episode is nothing less than a power source of inspiration not only to the budding cricketers but, to the youth of India.