Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami, two contrasting personalities, share an unwavering mental fortitude that has propelled Team India to remarkable success.
Kohli, the aggressive batsman, and Shami, the composed bowler, topped the batting and bowling charts at the 2019 ODI World Cup, leading India to a runner-up finish. Their mental strength, according to bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, is a key factor in their achievements.
“Both are different personalities altogether, but in terms of mental strength, both are up there,” Mhambrey said. “Virat is purely aggressive, on the face all the time. Shami is complete in contrast, never on his own.”
Despite their contrasting approaches, Kohli and Shami share a deep understanding of their roles and a relentless work ethic.
“Virat is one of the best in chasing,” Mhambrey said. “He’s the prime reason why India have chased mammoth scores.”
Shami, on the other hand, is a master of his craft. “He knows what’s expected of him,” Mhambrey said. “He’s completely different in terms of training and he will do something that suits him.”
Kohli’s dedication has inspired the younger players in the Indian team. “To be able to see the work put in by Virat day in and day out is an eye opener,” Mhambrey said. “You see youngsters talking to him and trying to learn from him.”
Mhambrey believes that becoming a GOAT (Greatest of All Time) requires a combination of innate talent, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
“I think you’re born with certain skills,” he said. “Skills that Shami has cannot be replicated unless you have it… Same with (Jasprit) Bumrah. These are guys who are born with that skill.”
“You become GOAT with the attitude that you have, the work that you put in, the vision that you had about yourself, the inspiration that you want to be. These combinations with other factors will make you a GOAT.”
