Dilip Vengsarkar always had the ability to spot talent and one of the many players he identified in his nascent years was Virat Kohli.
As chairman of the national selection committee, the former India captain who turned out for India in 116 Tests and 129 ODIs, decided to blood Kohli in the ‘Men in Blue’ team for the series in Sri Lanka in August 2008. Kohli had not turned 20 then.
“I saw him score 120 not out (as an opener) against New Zealand in the Emerging Players Tournament in Australia in July 2008. I thought he was always exceptionally talented. We picked him soon for the one-day series in Sri Lanka.
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“After making a good impression initially, he seemed to lose his way. But after that phase, he has worked very hard on his fitness and game. He’s extremely focused now as a player and captain,” said Vengsarkar about a player whom he gave the big breakthrough and is all set to receive the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy (ICC Cricketer of the Year award). Kohli has also been named the ODI player of the year.
Kohli made only 204 runs in five innings in the Emerging Players tournament in 2008, but the following year he made 398 with two centuries and as many half-centuries in the same tournament in Australia.
“I have not seen any other player in the last 10 years who has made a such an impact across all formats of the game. He takes tremendous pride in his performance, leads by example, sets high standards, maintains fitness and wants others to follow him,” said Vengsarkar, who after retirement has been involved in grass-roots level coaching in Mumbai and Pune.
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The India captain getting hot under the collar on occasions has not escaped notice of the discerning, including former West Indies fast bowler Michael Holding, who likened Kohli to a young Vivian Richards.
But, Vengsarkar believes that Kohli’s aggression on the field brings the best out of him. “Kohli has done well, really well, as batsman and captain,” said Vengsarkar.