Rajkumar Sharma, The Backyard Coach Behind Virat Kohli's Rise

A Childhood Spotted

Rajkumar Sharma wasn't surprised when Virat Kohli's name came to the fore in the cricket scene. The local coach had spotted Kohli's talent at the age of nine when he first started training under him at the academy.

9-year old Virat Kohli

Kohli was nine and looked exactly like this boy [raking his eyes over my teammates], his brother's son. Virat was this size only, aur bilkul aise hi shakkal thi [He looked exactly like this boy].>([r], pointing at a child in whites standing)

Recognizing Talent

Rajkumar remembers the moment when he first saw Kohli bat and immediately knew he had a God-gifted talent. Even though many coaches saw an intense passion from Kohli during his age-group days with the DDCA, Sharma understood what made him special.

A Deep Relationship

Rajkumar has been Kohli's coach since the start of his career. He emphasizes that Kohli has become more than just a son, he is someone he couldn't explain. The emotional bond between Kohli and Sharma is strong and not just about cricket.

Reveling in Success

Rajkumar has a very different attitude towards recognition. Unlike many coaches who aim for individual success and records, he focuses on what his players bring to the game – hard work, knowledge and skills. His role in Kohli's life finally paid off with the Dronacharya Award in 2016.

In Kohli's Words

Rajkumar is more than just a coach. When Kohli's father, Prem Kohli, passed away during a Delhi Ranji match, Kohli was devastated, and Rajkumar was shocked; still, Rajkumar never wanted Kohli to miss the opportunity to bat his cherished innings, as Kohli said, …and what's more than that? Kohli indeed played the very next match.