Virat Kohli Dreamed of Being the Next Sachin Tendulkar, Reveals School Teacher
Virat Kohli, the star India batter who is often compared to cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar, has always aspired to follow in Tendulkar’s footsteps, according to his school teacher, Vibha Sachdev. She recently shared insights into Kohli’s childhood and revealed how he was determined to be India’s next cricketing icon from a young age.
Now 36 and widely regarded as one of the best batters in the world across all formats, Kohli’s career trajectory has certainly mirrored that of Tendulkar in many ways. The Indian cricket team’s former captain is currently in the middle of a prolific Indian Premier League (IPL) season, leading the run charts with 505 runs from 11 matches. His remarkable consistency and ability to deliver on the big stage make him one of the most celebrated modern-day cricketers.
In an interview, Vibha Sachdev recalled Kohli’s unwavering confidence and determination in his school days. “His eyes were very expressive. Virat was an active participant in all the school activities. He was an enthusiastic and eager participant of all the interhouse activities,” she said. “’Ma’am, I will be the next Sachin Tendulkar of the Indian Team,’ was the oft-repeated quote, and yes, at that time, sometimes it made us smile at the sheer grit and confidence of the wide-eyed boy.”
Kohli’s determination and ambition to make a name for himself in the cricketing world were evident even then. Sachdev further mentioned how the young Kohli was always passionate about both cricket and academics. “Virat always scored well in his exams. He was an above-average performer, and the only time he would lose a few marks was when his practice sessions took his time away from studying. ‘I prepared for my exam late after I came back from my practices,’ he would often say,” Sachdev shared.
Despite juggling his academics and cricket training, Kohli’s dedication to both was clear. His teachers at Vishal Bharti Public School in Paschim Vihar understood his commitment and supported him in balancing both. Sachdev added that the school faculty provided Kohli with extra guidance to help him manage his dual responsibilities.
Kohli’s rise in the cricketing world has been nothing short of extraordinary. His continued success, particularly in the IPL, speaks to the years of hard work and dedication that started in his school days. Kohli is currently playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the ongoing IPL 2025 season, where his team is having a strong run. With eight wins from 11 matches, RCB is at the top of the points table and will face the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 9, aiming to extend their winning streak.
As Kohli continues to break records and set new benchmarks in cricket, his early dreams of emulating Sachin Tendulkar seem more than realized, making him a true cricketing legend in his own right.
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