IND vs SL: Dilip Vengsarkar Recalls How Selectors Identified Virat Kohli During His Initial Days Of Career

Former Indian cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar recalled how Virat Kohli was identified by selectors during the initial days of his career. His words arrive as Virat Kohli is set to play his 100th Test match during India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test in Mohali. Kohli has become the 12th Indian player to achieve the feat.

India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test has become a historic match as it is the 100th Test match of Virat Kohli. The former Indian skipper was also felicitated ahead of the match and presented the 100th Test cap by Indian head coach Rahul Dravid.

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Dilip Vengsarkar Recalls How Selectors Identified Virat Kohli

While speaking in a BCCI video, former Indian all-rounder Dilip Vengsarkar revealed how selectors identified Virat Kohli during his initial career. Vengsarkar was part of the selection committed during 2008 when Virat Kohli was an emerging player.

“I had watched Virat for the first time at the Under-16 tournament when he played for Delhi schools and it was in Kolkata. He didn’t score many runs but he was very impressive. And later on, of course, he played Under-19 for India and did extremely well. They won the World Cup. And then the emerging players tournament was happening in Australia,” Vengsarkar said in a video.

“I was the chairman of the selection committee. And we had picked Under-23 boys in the tournament because what we felt was that emerging players should be under 23 because they are the future of Indian cricket. That’s how we picked Virat Kohli,” Vengsarkar further added.

Focus, Passion, And Discipline Enabled Virat Kohli To Reach The Milestone

65-year-old Vengsarkar also said that focus, passion, and discipline are the three qualities that enabled Kohli to reach the milestone of 100 Test matches.

“To play 100 Test matches for India is a fantastic achievement. It shows Virat’s class as an international player. His focus, passion and discipline, these are the virtues which have enabled him to play for so long for India. He is still very young, extremely fit and I’m sure he will play for maybe another 5-6 years easily. He is one of the best in the world,” Vengsarkar added.

Also Read: IND vs SL: Twitter Reacts As Mohammed Siraj Excluded From Playing XI For 1st Test Against Sri Lanka

Meanwhile, India won the toss and opted to bat first in India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test. Rohit Sharma is leading the team for the first time in Tests after taking over as the Test captain. In the first session, Rohit Sharma lost his wicket for 29 runs. Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj have been rested in the match.

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