R Sridhar declares Virat Kohli a child ahead of BGT 2024-25

In an emotional message, former Indian fielding coach R Sridhar delivered a heartfelt birthday wish to Virat Kohli, urging the iconic batter to awaken his inner child, as he is all set to embark on a high-voltage Test series in Australia later this month.

Sridhar, who is an unwavering fan of Kohli, believes that the Indian batter’s unique childlike spirit fuels his passion and fire on the field, urging him to let the fearless and joyful “child within” him guide, as it can turn the upcoming Australia tour into a “fairy tale” for India.

"Keep the child alive": R Sridhar's inspiring Birthday message to Virat Kohli ahead of Australia tour

Amidst the heavy criticism, the former Indian fielding coach has yet again urged Kohli to let the child inside him always be alive because that is his strength, and there's no better place than Australia to show the world who he is and silence his doubters.

Sridhar said on RevSportz: “I'm a huge fan of him, and I would like to wish him a very happy birthday on air, and there's only one wish that I've always had for him, and I've told this to him multiple times: let the child in you always be alive; keep the child in you alive, Virat Kohli, because that is your strength.”

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With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 around the corner, R. Sridhar expressed his unwavering faith in Kohli’s abilities amidst calls for dropping the former captain from the Indian cricket team following his poor home season with the bat and recent awful show against the Kiwis.

There's no better place than Australia for Kohli to come back: Sridhar

Kohli, who has always thrived under pressure, faces intense scrutiny due to his lean patch, but Sridhar said that Australian conditions, renowned for their challenge and intensity, have always brought out his best.

He predicted that Kohli’s “beast mode” will return on one of his favorite hunting grounds in the upcoming five-match Test series against Australia, starting on November 22 in Perth.

Sridhar further noted, “You always see Virat Kohli, the child in him, when he's playing the sport because, as a child, when he played the sport, he enjoyed it, so keep the child in you alive, and there's no better place than Australia for him to come back and make this an absolute fairy tale for India because he loves those conditions, he thrives in those conditions, he loves a fight, and that is Virat Kohli.”

"India needs him now more than ever"

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Sridhar urged Kohli to unlock his “beast mode” Down Under to reclaim his position as one of the greatest modern batsmen, and the former coach is confident that the upcoming Australia tour could be a turning point not only for the senior batter but for Indian cricket as well.

He signed off by saying, “India needs him now more than ever, and I think you're going to see the best of Virat in Australia. I'm sure you're going to see the best of Virat in Australia, Virat Kohli, beast mode in Australia.”