During the thrilling India vs. Pakistan match at the Champions Trophy, one particular moment stood out—Virat Kohli’s celebratory gesture after scoring his 51st ODI century. As the helmet came off, Kohli pointed in a direction that left many wondering who he was acknowledging. It wasn’t towards the dressing room, but to none other than his coach, Rajkumar Sharma, who was watching from the stands.

Sharma, a proud figure in Kohli’s life, explained that Kohli had made sure he had tickets for the match and was aware of his presence in the stadium. The coach, beaming with pride, reflected on how rare and fulfilling such moments are for a coach. “Nothing gives more satisfaction and pride as a coach,” Sharma shared, highlighting how special it was to witness Kohli’s remarkable achievement.

Unfair Criticism and the Weight of Expectations
Kohli’s return to form in this game raised questions about the constant criticism he faces despite his achievements. Sharma firmly believes that the high expectations placed on Kohli are often unfair. “Everyone expects him to win a match every time he takes the field,” he pointed out, acknowledging that Kohli has consistently been one of India’s most valuable players. Yet, when he faces a rough patch, critics are quick to claim that he is failing. “Form may go up and down, but class always remains,” Sharma explained, emphasizing that even legends face occasional setbacks.

Addressing Baseless Rumors
In response to critics who have declared Kohli “done,” Sharma had strong words. “These are all baseless rumors,” he said confidently. According to him, Kohli has plenty of cricket left in him, evident from his impeccable fitness, skill, and strong body language. “There is hardly any comparison,” Sharma asserted, dismissing those who question the cricketing giant’s future.

Evolution Over Time
Sharma, who has seen Kohli grow through every phase of his career, was asked about the impact of marriage and fatherhood on Kohli’s personality. While Kohli’s aggressive approach to the game remains intact, Sharma believes that age and personal growth have brought about a calmness in his overall demeanor. “He was always humble, but people misunderstood him because of his tattoos and youthful energy,” said Sharma. “He’s always been respectful, and now, after marriage and kids, he has become even more grounded.”

Relief or Confidence After the Century?
When Kohli finally scored the boundary to bring up his hundred, was there a sense of relief for the coach? Sharma shrugged off the idea of relief, pointing out that Kohli’s constant contributions to the team make him deserving of praise. “After all, he is human,” he said. Sharma went on to add that it is crucial to acknowledge Kohli’s monumental contributions to Indian cricket, rather than focusing on occasional dry spells. “The entire nation is his well-wisher,” he remarked, emphasizing that the criticism stems from a small group of naysayers.

Confidence and Determination
When asked if he sensed Kohli would perform well against Pakistan, Sharma was unequivocal: “I was very confident.” He described how Kohli exudes confidence through his body language, which is always a sign of his strong mental fortitude. “He is always confident, and you can see it,” said Sharma, explaining that Kohli’s mental strength has been a key to his success throughout his career.

Kohli’s return to form in this high-pressure match against Pakistan sent a message that he still has much to offer. Sharma’s unwavering belief in his protégé continues to inspire confidence in Kohli’s ability to contribute for years to come.

As India prepares for the next phase of the Champions Trophy, Kohli’s fans can take comfort in the fact that the legend still has plenty of cricket left in him.