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Virat Kohli, one of modern cricket’s most iconic figures, continues to reign supreme across all formats, even as he marks his 18th Indian Premier League (IPL) season in 2025. With unmatched consistency, fiery passion, and an ever-burning hunger for excellence, Kohli has carved out a legacy few can rival. While the world knows him as a master batsman and fierce competitor, the foundations of this greatness were laid during his early years with a powerful nudge from an unexpected mentor, South African legend Mark Boucher.
A Veteran’s Advice That Sparked a Fire
In the nascent stages of his career with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), a young Kohli was still trying to find his rhythm on the international stage. Between 2008 and 2010, Mark Boucher played 27 matches for RCB, contributing 388 runs at an average close to 30. But his greatest impact on the franchise arguably came not with the bat, but through a few piercing words that would forever shape Kohli’s mindset.
Kohli recalled how Boucher, without any prompting, offered him sharp, honest feedback about his game. “He told me clearly what I needed to work on not sugar-coated, but direct,” Kohli said. What left a lasting impression on the Indian batter was not just the content of Boucher’s message, but the conviction and intensity with which it was delivered.
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The Most Influential Voice in His Journey
“Those words from Boucher lit a fire in me,” Kohli admitted. Though many have mentored and supported him over the years, he considers Boucher’s candid and timely advice as one of the most defining moments of his early career. It was, in Kohli’s own words, “the most impactful” influence he received during those formative years at RCB.
On Stepping Away from T20 Internationals
As Kohli moves forward in his illustrious journey, he recently reflected on his decision to retire from T20 Internationals. Dismissing any notion of regret, he said, “I don’t think things have changed for me in any way.” He explained that his decision was based on the long-term vision for Indian cricket.
“There is a new set of players who are more than ready. They need time, a proper two-year cycle to evolve, handle pressure, and play in different parts of the world,” he noted. Kohli emphasized the importance of giving emerging players space and opportunity so that they are fully prepared when the next ICC T20 World Cup arrives.
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Legacy in Motion
At 36, Kohli remains as determined as ever, both as a player and as a guiding figure for the next generation. His story is one of talent, a relentless work ethic, and an openness to learn even when the lessons came from surprising places. Thanks to figures like Mark Boucher, the cricketing world was gifted not just a player, but a legend in the making.
