Virat Kohli took centre stage at the launch of an animation series ‘Max Steel’ on television, based on his personality as someone who relishes facing difficult situations. The character of a teenage boy named Maxwell McGrath, launched by Mattel Toys, is a computer-generated figure gaining special powers by teaming up with an alien called ‘Steel’ when battling evil characters.
Indian captain for the ODI series against Zimbabwe, he was asked to give his personal view on heroes and villains in cricket. “In cricket, the person who does not respect the game, the person who corrupts the game is the villain for me. They should be punished and have been punished in the past. “Players who respect cricket are heroes for me, whether he does well or not.”
“My superhero has always been Sachin Tendulkar. He is someone who inspires me immensely. After watching him play, I wanted to win games for India.”
He said, “I just had a vision and got a chance to play with him and do something like that. He has been my superhero and will be for my lifetime.”
Kohli confirmed his place in the Indian middle-order as a mentally tough player able to adapt in keeping with the needs of the situation. “I like to always lead from the front and set an example for whoever is playing with me or around me. I like taking responsibilities. That is my natural thing.”
The forthcoming series in Zimbabwe is a test of Kohli as a leader of a young pack of talented cricketers.
Doping not acceptable
PTI reports: Virat Kohli said doping in sport was simply not acceptable and called for the harshest possible punishment for those who bring disrepute to the game. His comments came in the wake of Delhi Ranji player Pradeep Sangwan’s failed dope test.
“This (doping) is not at all acceptable. Whoever doesn’t respect sport, corrupts it, and should be handed the harshest punishment. Sport gives you everything in life. If you can’t respect the game, you don’t deserve to be there.” said Kohli.
