Virat Kohli reveals Mark Boucher’s key role in shaping his early IPL journey
Star Indian cricketer and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) icon Virat Kohli has credited former South African wicketkeeper-batter Mark Boucher with having the most significant influence on him during the early stages of his IPL career. Speaking on the upcoming episode of the RCB Podcast, Kohli shared how Boucher’s candid insights left a lasting impression on him.
In a teaser released by RCB on their official X handle, Kohli recalled, “Of all the players I played with early on, Boucher had the biggest impact on me. He figured out potential weaknesses in my game and told me what I needed to do to progress, without me even asking. He once said, ‘If I come to India to commentate in a few years and don’t see you playing for India, you’d be doing yourself a disservice.’ That stunned me.”
Boucher, who represented RCB from 2008 to 2010, played 27 matches and scored 388 runs at an average of 29.85, including one half-century. During this period, Kohli was still finding his footing in international cricket and had not yet debuted in Tests.
Kohli also spoke about his unwavering commitment to RCB, a franchise he has been with since the inaugural season of the IPL. “The bond and mutual respect I share with RCB means more to me than any trophy. The love from the fans is unmatched,” he said.
Addressing his recent retirement from T20 internationals, Kohli mentioned that the IPL holds the same meaning for him. “Nothing has changed for me. I made the decision knowing that a new generation of players is ready. They need time to adapt, handle pressure, and build towards the next World Cup.”
As of now, Kohli is the third-highest run-scorer in the ongoing IPL season, with 443 runs in 10 innings at an average of 63.28, a strike rate nearing 139, and six half-centuries, with a top score of 73*.
RCB currently sits second on the points table with seven wins and three losses and is set to face Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at home on Saturday.
