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In a candid revelation on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Podcast, Virat Kohli opened up about the profound influence former South African wicketkeeper had on his formative years in the Indian Premier League. While Kohli’s journey with RCB is well documented, his acknowledgment of the retired cricketer’s impact offers a fresh perspective on the mentorship that helped mold one of cricket’s modern greats.
Former South African cricketer’s unseen influence on Virat Kohli
During his early days at RCB, Kohli was surrounded by international stars, but it was Mark Boucher, not the likes of AB de Villiers or Faf du Plessis, who left the most lasting impression. Boucher, who played for RCB from 2008 to 2010, recognized Kohli’s potential and weaknesses without being prompted. Kohli recalled, “Out of all players I played with initially, Boucher had the biggest impact on me. He figured out what my weaknesses could be. If I wanted to go to the next level, this is what I need to do, without me asking him anything.”
One conversation in particular stunned Kohli. Boucher told him, “When I come to commentate in India three-four years from now and I do not see you playing for India, you would do a disservice to yourself.” This blunt but caring advice pushed Kohli to introspect and work harder, instilling in him the drive to elevate his game. Boucher’s mentorship extended beyond words; he would take Kohli to the nets, using a tennis ball and racket to help him face bouncers and short balls, preparing him for the rigors of international cricket.
How South African mentorship paved the way for Kohli’s IPL rise
Kohli’s gratitude for Boucher’s influence is evident in his continued success and consistency. Now in his IPL 2025 season, Kohli remains a force, currently leading the run-scoring charts with 505 runs in 11 innings at an average of 63.13 and a strike rate of 143.46-an achievement that has seen him become the first player to score 500+ runs in eight different IPL seasons. Kohli’s ability to adapt and thrive under pressure can be traced back to the foundational lessons imparted by Boucher during those early RCB days.
Reflecting on his journey, Kohli also highlighted the irreplaceable bond he shares with the RCB franchise and its fans, stating, “The love that I have received from the fans, I do not think any silverware or any trophy can come close to that”. Even after announcing his T20I retirement, Kohli emphasized that his approach to the IPL remains unchanged, attributing his sustained hunger and performance to the formative experiences and guidance he received early in his career.
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