What makes Virat Kohli different from others? Cricketer reveals

Whenever the greatest batsmen of the last decade are discussed, Virat Kohli's name comes first. Today, he is the only player in the cricket world who can break the record of 100 international centuries of the great Sachin Tendulkar. Currently, he has countless fans not only in India but also abroad. His popularity can be gauged from the fact that cricket was included in the year 2028 specifically because of him. Today, almost every active and former cricketer praised him. Recently, former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik appeared on the Beard Before Wicket podcast, where he shared his personal and interesting views on Virat Kohli.

Both Karthik and Virat spent a long time together in the Indian dressing room as well as with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Karthik shared insights about his bond, trust, respect, and shared battles with Virat Kohli at the international level.

Karthik emphasised Virat Kohli's character, how he handles pressure, and the mentality that has shaped his long and challenging career, rather than focusing solely on numbers or awards. The seasoned wicketkeeper highlighted how Kohli skillfully maintains a balance between his aggressive on-field intensity and his laid-back, friendly demeanour off the field.

“He’s a fierce competitor but also a fun-loving guy outside of cricket. He’s just a normal human being like any of us. It’s just that he is an extraordinary world champion batter. That’s one side of him. The other side is a regular person from Delhi who cracks jokes like any Delhiite would. A great family man, and I have immense respect for him. I’ve always maintained a very good, healthy, and respectful relationship with him,” said Karthik on the Beard Before Wicket podcast.

At the same time, Karthik also claims that Kohli's willingness and eagerness to take responsibility when the stakes are high set him apart from other world-class players.

“I think he is a man made for the big moments because he wants it more than anyone else. There are people who, when the big moment arrives, are uncertain and ask, ‘What do I do?’ And he, before the start of the game, wants that moment to be his,” said Karthik.

Dinesh Karthik also pointed out that their bond was never based on seniority but on how they managed the highs and lows of their careers with integrity and dedication.

“Yes, I’m a bit older than him. But it’s not the age difference that has earned us the respect we share. It’s how we have treated each other over time, having experienced the ups and downs together. And I see in him the same boy I met when I first saw him, and I have loved watching his growth in the sport,” said Karthik.