'Sitting in my position, I can't use words like...': Virat Kohli opens up on 'struggle' and 'sacrifice' ahead of KKR vs RCB clash

Batting maestro Virat Kohli is once again on a roll in the ongoing IPL 2024, proving his top-notch class. Despite Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), facing challenges in IPL 2024, Kohli himself is leading the tournament in run-scoring. This success comes with a unique perspective. In a recent interview, the 35-year-old batting juggernaut revealed he avoids using words like ‘struggle’ and ‘sacrifice’ when reflecting on his cricketing journey.  For Kohli, playing cricket isn't a hardship, it's a passion he's fortunate to pursue.

Virat Kohli's cricketing career is nothing short of phenomenal.  He's donned the Indian jersey across all formats - 113 Tests, 292 ODIs, and 117 T20Is - amassing a staggering 26,000+ international runs and a jaw-dropping 80 centuries.  His leadership qualities also shine brightly, having captained India in a record 213 matches and securing victories in 135 of them. This success rate ranks among the highest in cricket history. While these achievements undoubtedly stem from immense dedication and hard work, Kohli himself refrains from using terms like ‘struggle’ and ‘sacrifice’. 

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During a talk show, Virat said told Gaurav Kapoor:

“Honestly, sitting in my position, I cannot use words like struggle and sacrifice. For me, there has been no struggle and no sacrifice. I am doing what I love.”

Kohli acknowledged that true struggles lie with those facing basic necessities, like having enough food.  He emphasised the difference between striving for excellence in cricket, often seen as ‘hard work’ or 'sacrifice' and the genuine struggles people face in daily life, like putting food on the table for their families.
 

"Struggle uski hoti hai jisko do waqt ki roti nahi milti hai (The one who doesn't get two square meals in a day, he's the one who's struggling). Aap apne hard work ko struggle bol ke usko glorify kar sakte ho, uspe cherry on top laga sakte ho, aapko koi nahi bol raha hai gym mein jaane ke liye, but you have to feed your family. (You can glorify your hard work by calling it a struggle, you can put a cherry on top, no one is asking you to go the gym, but you have to feed your family)," he added.

 

Reflecting on his privileged position, Kohli expressed his deep gratitude. He acknowledged the vast difference between the challenges he faces as a cricketer and the hardships many people endure in everyday life.

 

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"I am just grateful, actually, I am in a privileged position as I am getting to do what I have always loved to do. I play a sport, which is my profession. If you really think about the real problems that people face in life, it's not done. You can't compare getting out in a Test series to someone who doesn't have a roof in his house," Kohli concluded.

 

Virat Kohli is gearing up for Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) IPL 2024 clash against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Eden Gardens on April 21. Both the teams are heading into the match with a jolt they suffered in their respective last encounters. While RBC lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad by 25 runs in their previous match, KKR went down to Rajasthan Royals in a high-scoring thriller.

 

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