Gary Kirsten talks about Virat Kohli's untapped potential early in his career

Indian captain Virat Kohli is widely regarded as one of best modern-day batsmen in world. He made his international debut in 2008 during coaching tenure of former Team India coach Gary Kirsten. Quite recently, ex-South African cricketer talked about meeting Virat Kohli for first time back in 2008.

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Gary Kirsten recalls his advice to a young Virat Kohli

Gary Kirsten was recently involved in an interview on RK Show YouTube channel. On show, he talked about meeting a young Virat Kohli for first time in 2008 and revealed some advice he gave to n youngster. According to former Team India coach, he saw some great abilities and talent in batsman. However, Gary Kirsten also revealed that he straightaway realise Virat Kohli “wasn’t operating in best version of himself”.

In December 2009, Virat Kohli struck his maiden ODI hundred during a home series against Sri Lanka. Gary Kirsten recalled his conversation with batsman during one of earlier matches of same series where youngster threw his wicket away in an attempt to hit a six. veteran South African cricketer n asked Virat Kohli to take his “cricket to next level” by trying to hit ball down ground. Gary Kirsten furr explained to a young Kohli about risks attached to constantly hitting ball over top. According to former India coach, batsman took his advice and scored a match-winning century in very next ODI itself.

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Gary Kirsten talks about first meeting with young Virat Kohli, watch video

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Virat Kohli batting stats

 Virat Kohli batting stats place him among best contemporary batsmen in world alongside likes of Steve Smith, Kane Williamson and Joe Root. Having played 86 Tests, 248 ODIs and 82 T20Is since his debut in 2008, right-hander has scored 21,901 international runs across 460 innings. In doing so, Virat Kohli has registered 70 centuries and 104 half-centuries in all three formats. He is currently ranked as .1 batsman in ICC ODI batting rankings and .2 in ICC Test batting rankings behind Steve Smith. Moreover, ar of Virat Kohli batting stats indicates that Indian skipper is only batsman in world to hold an aver of 50-plus simultaneously in Tests, ODIs and T20Is.

Gary Kirsten achievements

Gary Kirsten’s appointment as Team India coach and his four-year stint turned out to be one of most successful phases for Indian cricket. During his tenure, MS Dhoni was appointed as Test captain, taking over role after Anil Kumble anunced his retirement in 2008. Gary Kirsten achievements list includes leading India to helm of ICC Test team rankings between 2009 and 2011 and guiding m to lift 2011 World Cup at home.

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Im courtesy: AP