Ahead of the highly anticipated two-match Test series against Bangladesh, Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan expressed his excitement at the prospect of sharing the dressing room with Indian legend Virat Kohli. Khan, who made his Test debut against England earlier this year, is eager to connect with his former Royal Challengers Bangalore teammate.
During the England series, Khan was unable to meet Kohli, who withdrew due to personal reasons. However, the youngster has always admired Kohli’s leadership skills and ability to inspire his team.
“His passion and spirit are unmatched. Whenever I saw him, even in pre-match meetings, he’d take charge and tell everyone how many runs he’d score off a particular bowler and break that down for everyone,” Khan told JioCinema. “To be gutsy enough to stand up and talk with such positivity in front of everyone and then deliver the next day is a very unique ability.”
Khan also shared his first encounter with Kohli, expressing his desire to be his teammate in the national team. “I met him at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium for the first time. I had scored 45 runs in 21 balls here and he bowed to me. I had a lot of fun that day. It was a dream to share an Indian team dressing room with him, and it will come true in the future if I get the opportunity.”
Meanwhile, Dhruv Jurel hopes to continue his strong form from his debut Test series against Bangladesh. Jurel sought Kohli’s advice on maintaining consistency throughout his career.
“I asked him how he stayed so consistent and how I could improve my game. It’s something I’ve always been curious about. I even asked Dhoni sir the same thing. They have become legends, and there must be a secret behind it. I know now that doing what seems boring and easy repetitively has built these legends,” Jurel said.
Kohli emphasized the importance of discipline and repetition in achieving success. “Kohli told me that if doing the boring things were so easy to do, everyone would be doing it. You have to keep doing those things, and then you’ll be able to accomplish your dreams,” Jurel added.
Khan has learned the value of routine and self-awareness from observing Kohli over the years at RCB. “He is clear about his game. He knows the work a player needs to keep doing and that criticism or praise shouldn’t affect your game. ‘This is my work, I have to do this in the morning, this in the afternoon, this in the evening, and sleep at a specific time.’ That’s what I have learned from him.”
Both players also highlighted specific aspects of Kohli’s batting technique that impressed them. Jurel praised his ability to step out and hit over the covers, while Khan admired his flick shot and cover drive.
The first Test between India and Bangladesh will be played at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai from Thursday.
