Apart from being one of the best batsmen, Virat Kohlias India's Test captain, he was outstanding because of his unmatched determination and high expectations, especially during the tours of the SENA countries – South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia— made him one of the most successful leaders.
Under his captaincy, the Indian cricket team's performance in overseas conditions saw much success, including historic moments such as the first Test in India. series win in Australia in the 2018-19 season.
Varun Dhawan reveals the human side of Virat Kohli
However, the road to glory was not without its share of pain. The summer of 2018 was a tough one for Virat Kohli, both as a batsman and captain, as his Indian Test side suffered a demoralizing 1-4 defeat against England.
Behind the scenes, management pressure and personal expectations took their toll on the former Indian captain. Recently, Bollywood actor and one of Anushka Sharma's close friends Varun Dhawan shared a glimpse of Kohli's emotional struggles and vulnerable moments during that England tour.
He revealed that after the Birmingham Test, Anushka found the Indian batting icon crying badly in his room, reflecting the weight of leadership and the personal cost of failures. Varun Dhawan shared a heartwarming story about Virat Kohli, shedding light on Kohli's emotional depth and intense commitment to the game and the responsibility he carries.
Varun Dhawan Reveals Virat Kohli's Emotional Struggles During England Test Series 2018
In fact, Dhawan recalled Anushka Sharma's views on the batting icon's mindset during one of the toughest phases of his career. The Bollywood actor recalled the Edgbaston Test against England in Birmingham where Kohli scored 149 in the first innings and followed up with 51 runs in the chase but India fell woefully short by 31 runs.
Varun Dhawan recalled that after the match, Anushka Sharma returned to their room only to find a deeply affected Kohli lying and crying as he held himself responsible for the loss as captain. This anecdote sheds light on the human side of a cricketing icon, Kohli, who is known for his fierce determination and aggression on the field.
Also Read: Ravichandran Ashwin favored to succeed Jay Shah as BCCI secretary
Anushka Sharma did not know the whereabouts of Virat Kohli: Varun Dhawan
Varun Dhawan said on Ranveer Allahbadia's podcast, 'The Ranveer Show': “Virat, I mean, everything he's been through, the times he's not in good shape, some insights that Anushka shared with me about his mentality.
“I think it was a Nottingham test. Where India lost and he said he did not attend that match that day. He returned; she didn't know where Virat was and came to the room and saw him sleeping. down, literally crying how he took it all on himself, like I failed him, when he was still the top scorer that day.
I assume he is talking about the Edgbaston test 2018. Or maybe from the Eng tour. 2021. pandc.twandtteR.cam/8SwzAH7pIT
— iᴍ_Aʀʏᴀɴ18 (@crickohli18) decembeR 19, 2024
Notably, Kohli is currently playing in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia where, after his tone in the Perth Test, the right-hander is struggling to score runs. The dashing right-hander will be seen in action in the fourth Test – the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, Melbourne, starting on December 26.