Former India skipper Virat Kohli has become one of the most valued assets in the national team. Virat, one of the greatest batter in the history of sport, is an inspiration to millions of his fans and followers around the world. Not just fans but even a teammate of Virat Kohli aspires to be like him.
Team India's former bowling coach Bharat Arun, in a recent interview with Cricbuzz, revealed how Mohammed Siraj had requested him to help him become like Virat Kohli.
"Siraj was Virat's biggest fan. After the first season with RCB, he came and told me, 'Sir, mujhe Virat ki tarah banna hai. I think it was the hunger in him; he had seen what Virat had achieved. So, I told him, 'Agar Virat ki tarah banna hai, toh phir uski tarah bohut kuch sacrifice karna padega," Arun said on the Cricbuzz Special show 'The Rise of New India.'
"In bowling, you can be somebody who can be remembered. He said, 'No sir, I will do whatever it takes because I want to emulate him. So, the fact that he was such a Virat fan-boy and later on, getting to play under him and alongside him had a great influence on Mohammed Siraj," he added.
Virat Kohli and Mohammed Siraj play together for franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 16th season of IPL will begin from 31st March. Siraj played under Kohli's captaincy for RCB between 2018 to 2021 and also made his white-ball debut under him. The young speedster currently holds number one spot in ODI bowler's ranking.
Royal Challengers Bangalore had a great last season but the team failed to win the trophy. One of the oldest franchises in the T20 league, RCB will be eyeing their maiden IPL title this year.
In last few years, Siraj has emerged as one of the biggest match winners for Bangalore.