Virat Kohli is often spoken about in terms of sheer talent, staggering numbers and his reputation as one of cricket’s defining modern batters. There’s also a perception—fed by his on-field intensity—that he plays with arrogance. However, Kohli’s childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, strongly disagrees with that assessment, insisting that labeling him as arrogant is simply misguided.
For Kohli, any story about how he became a cricketing force inevitably runs through his early training at Sharma’s academy in New Delhi. Sharma was the person who first spotted Kohli’s promise, then worked closely with him on his batting craft. Beyond technique, the coach says he also shaped key parts of Kohli’s mindset—discipline, a strong work ethic and the mental toughness that would eventually become hallmarks of his career.
Sharma calls Kohli “modest” and “humble”
Speaking about Kohli’s temperament, Sharma described him as a genuinely modest person. He said that people who don’t know Kohli well may misread his competitive edge as arrogance, but those around him see a different side—someone humble, considerate and respectful. Sharma also noted that Kohli has maintained that attitude even as his profile has grown over the years.
“Virat is a very modest guy. People used to mistake him as a very arrogant guy,” Sharma said. “But whoever knows him, whoever is close to him, knows that he is very humble and very respectful. For me, he is still like my child. He was not even nine when he came to me, and since then he has been with me.”
Sharma believes the relationship between coach and player has matured into something deeper than professional guidance—a bond grounded in trust and mutual regard. Even after Kohli turned into a global superstar, he continues to recognize the coach’s role in his journey. In Sharma’s view, their story underlines why grassroots coaching matters so much in Indian cricket.
Tributes from Anshuman Gaekwad
Sharma also shared that the late former India batter Anshuman Gaekwad, who died in 2024, spoke highly about the connection he saw between himself and Kohli. Sharma said Gaekwad pointed out that such a relationship is rare once a player reaches the very top of the game. He recalled that Gaekwad emphasized how Kohli seems to stay attentive—following the ball, keeping track of what’s happening, and reaching out after matches—something Gaekwad had not seen replicated at the highest level elsewhere.
“The respect he shows is creditable,” Sharma said. “I remember that when Anshuman Gaekwad would say that he has seen so much in Indian cricket, but the relationship between Virat and me is not replicated. You don’t miss any ball he has faced, wherever he is in the world. He calls you after the match. The bond, he has never seen it anywhere for a player who has reached the highest level of world cricket.”
Sharma added that Kohli’s nature has remained consistently warm and respectful. He said he feels proud to have trained Kohli and believes the affection in their relationship has endured even today.
“I feel he has such a good nature and is so respectful. I feel that even today he is affectionate, and I feel proud that he is my trainee,” Sharma said.
According to Sharma, his confidence in Kohli was evident from early on, including during difficult personal phases. As Kohli’s path moved from age-group cricket to the India setup—and later into captaincy—Sharma remained a steady mentor and trusted presence throughout the evolution of his career.
