“That Was The Very Reason I Got Chances to Play for India” - Virat Kohli Reveals MS Dhoni, Gary Kirsten Backed His Never-Give-Up Attitude 

Virat Kohli, one of cricket's modern greats, recently opened up about the pivotal role played by former India captain MS Dhoni and head coach Gary Kirsten in shaping his early international career. 

In a candid conversation on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) podcast, Kohli shared how their belief in his determination and work ethic helped him secure a crucial spot in the Indian team, despite his self-perceived limitations as a young player.

Recalling his mindset at the start of his career, Virat Kohli admitted to being acutely aware of his technical shortcomings and that he was not at the level of other players back then. However, his determination and willingness to win gave him Dhoni and Kirsten’s backing.

"I was very realistic about my abilities, because I had seen a lot of other people play, and I did not feel like my game was anywhere close to theirs. The only thing that I had was determination, and if I wanted to make my team win, I was willing to do anything. That was the very reason I got chances to play for India initially, and Gary (Kirsten) and MS (Dhoni) made it very clear to me that we are backing you to play at number three," Kohli said as quoted on the podcast.

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What MS Dhoni and Gary Kirsten Saw in Young Virat Kohli? 

This vote of confidence from Dhoni and Kirsten was a turning point for Kohli, who was entrusted with the critical number three batting position, a role that demands consistency and resilience. The duo saw something special in Kohli’s relentless spirit and on-field presence, valuing his energy and commitment over raw match-winning flair at the time.

"This is what you can do for the team. What you represent on the field, your energy, your engagement, is of the biggest value to us. We want you to play that way. So, I was never looked at as this outright match winner who can change the game from anywhere. But I had this thing, I'm going to stay in the fight. I'm not going to give up and that is what they backed," Kohli added.

This early backing laid the foundation for Kohli’s transformation into one of the world’s most formidable batters. His determination, coupled with the trust placed in him by Dhoni and Kirsten, allowed him to grow into a player who would later redefine batting standards in international cricket. 

Kohli has amassed 27,599 international runs in 550 matches with 82 centuries. He is currently ruling the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025) while playing for RCB, leading the Orange Cap race with 505 runs in 11 innings.

Also read: “I Needed to Be Happy” - Virat Kohli’s Shocking Revelation on Why He Left India and RCB Captaincy