Virat Kohli recently revealed the profound impact former South African wicketkeeper-batter Mark Boucher had on his early IPL career. Speaking on the RCB Podcast, Kohli shared how Boucher, his teammate during the first three seasons of the IPL, identified his weaknesses and gave him valuable advice on what he needed to do to reach the next level. Kohli recalled how Boucher told him that if he didn’t fulfill his potential and play for India, he’d be doing a disservice to himself. That conversation left a lasting impression, motivating Kohli to work relentlessly toward becoming one of the greatest batters in the game.
Virat Kohli Reveals Mark Boucher’s Game Changing Influence in His Early IPL Journey
In a heartfelt revelation on the RCB Podcast, Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli opened up about the one player who had the biggest impact on him during his formative years in the Indian Premier League former South African wicketkeeper-batter Mark Boucher.
Virat Kohli, who has spent his entire IPL career with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), credited Boucher his teammate in the first three seasons for offering insights that shaped his game early on. “He figured out what my weaknesses could be and told me what I needed to do to go to the next level, without me even asking,” Kohli shared. “He once told me, ‘If I come to commentate in India years from now and don’t see you playing for the country, you’d be doing a disservice to yourself.’ That stunned me.”
Fast forward to 2025, and Kohli has lived up to that potential. He’s once again in red-hot form, having scored 443 runs in 10 innings this IPL season with an average of 63.29, continuing to chase the Orange Cap.
Reflecting on his long-standing loyalty to RCB, Virat Kohli said, “The love I’ve received from fans is beyond any silverware. That’s why I’ve stayed.”
He also spoke about his decision to step away from T20Is last year, explaining that it was to make space for emerging talent. “They need a proper two year cycle to evolve, build confidence, and prepare for major tournaments like the World Cup,” he added.
Meanwhile, RCB, under Rajat Patidar’s leadership, are thriving this season with seven wins from ten games, currently holding the second spot on the points table just behind the Mumbai Indians.
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