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regular-article-logo Saturday, 27 April 2024

Sachin Tendulkar recalls first interaction with Virat Kohli

The master blaster recollected how Kohli fell at his feet during their first meeting

Prabhjeet Singh Sethi Published 17.05.21, 04:54 PM
Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli

Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli File picture

By the time Virat Kohli made his international debut, Sachin Tendulkar had already played five World Cups and made light work of bowlers such as Abdul Qadir, Wasim Akram, Courtney Walsh, Shoaib Akhtar and Glenn McGrath. And most importantly, Tendulkar has, by far, been the only cricketer Kohli has idolised since his childhood. So, we can only imagine what must have gone through Kohli’s mind on his first meeting with Tendulkar.

Tendulkar, while speaking during a Youtube show Legends With Unacademy, recalled how some Team India cricketers pulled a prank on Kohli by asking him to touch his feet. “I didn't know what was happening. I asked him “what are you doing?” Told him that there was no need for this and such things don't happen. Then he got up and we looked at those guys, they started laughing,” Tendulkar said during the interaction.

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The bond between Kohli and Tendulkar became stronger over the years. Kohli not only cemented his place in the Indian XI, but also became a part of the 2011 World Cup winning team.

Tendulkar then retired from ODI cricket in 2012 and Tests in 2013. And then began the Kohli era.

During the show, Tendulkar also opened up on how he tackled anxiety during a major part of his career. “Over period of time I realised that besides preparing physically for a game, you have to prepare yourself mentally also. In my mind the match started long before I entered the ground. The anxiety levels were very high," he said.

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