He'll create magic for you – Dinesh Karthik and Mo Bobat on what unlocks the best in Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli completed his 19th season with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and once again led the charge for the side, being their highest run-scorer in the season. Kohli smashed 675 runs at a strike rate of 165.85, belting a century and five half-centuries.
Over the span of the last 19 years, Kohli has contributed extensively to the team. Whether as a captain or a player, Virat has been a beacon of inspiration for the entire team. Talking on RCB’s Trophy Quest – The Second Act, RCB’s batting coach and mentor, Dinesh Karthik and RCB’s Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat explained how Virat’s presence in the side is a lot more than the runs that he scores.
Explaining VK’s relationship with him, Bobat said, “Virat adds to the environment. I've massively enjoyed working closely with him over the last three seasons. I feel like my relationship has continued to grow and build, and I have a huge amount of respect for him. I love the fact that Andy and I are able to debate things with him. You know, we don't always start every conversation in the same place, but we're able to discuss, debate, see different perspectives, and then come to some sort of agreement. And actually, when we leave a room or leave a conversation, we're all aligned.”
DK chimed in, explaining his relationship with Virat, adding, “He's been there for so long, he knows how to get the job done. All you need to do is give him respect, give him the space, and allow him to do his thing. Most of the coaching revolves around that. If he has any doubt, he'll come and talk to you.”
DK further added, “Otherwise, you just observe him, watch him, and just let him be with the fact that him knowing that we have his back no matter what. He's in the big leagues. The Michael Jordans, the Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer. He's in that league. As long as you don't interfere in his process, you respect him for the person that he is with the bat and off the field, he'll create magic for you. There is no doubt about that, and he's been doing that for 19 years, and I don't see why he can't do it for much longer.”
Bobat explained how Virat’s maturity makes him a must for the team discussions, stating, “And I just think, you know, if you've got a player of his caliber and experience, why wouldn't you want him involved in your thinking, in your decision-making? And why wouldn't you give him a leading role in informing the way we come about things? Virat's maturity, his openness to new ideas and new ways of working, and also his conviction when he feels strongly about something. And I think all of those things are really good traits and things that I'm sure Rajat is learning from him as well.”
