In 2014, Raj Kumar, Virat Kohli’s childhood coach, received a surprise he would never forget. On the morning of Teachers’ Day, Kohli’s brother, Vikas, arrived at his doorstep, handed him a phone, and Virat’s voice came through—”Happy Teachers’ Day, Sir.” Before Raj Kumar could process the moment, Vikas placed a set of car keys in his hand and led him outside. Parked at the gate was a gleaming Skoda Rapid—Virat’s special gift to his mentor.
For Raj Kumar, the gift was touching, but what truly moved him was the emotional depth of Virat’s gesture. It wasn’t about the car—it was about the respect, gratitude, and love that Virat had for his guru. This act placed him alongside cricketing greats like Sachin Tendulkar and Ashish Nehra, who had also honored their coaches in meaningful ways.
Virat’s journey with Raj Kumar began when he was just nine, confidently walking into the seniors’ group at the West Delhi Cricket Academy. His coach saw in him a determination beyond his years. Today, Kohli stands as a testament to hard work and mentorship, never forgetting the guiding force behind his success.
