“Ahankar Aa Jata Hai”: Virat Kohli’s Honest Confession to PM Modi Reveals the Struggle Behind the Bat

It’s not every day that you hear a cricketing legend like Virat Kohli admit to a struggle, especially one that he attributes to “arrogance” creeping in. But that’s exactly what happened when Kohli confessed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about his poor form during the T20 World Cup.

The conversation, revealed in a recent interview, painted a powerful picture of humility and self-awareness. Kohli, renowned for his unwavering confidence and aggression, admitted to falling prey to a sense of entitlement. He confessed, “Ahankar aa jata hai (arrogance creeps in) sometimes. It happened to me in the T20 World Cup. I started thinking I was the biggest player, but that was wrong.”

This frank admission is not just a personal revelation; it holds significant weight in the context of Kohli’s performance at the tournament. Despite being one of the greatest batsmen of our time, Kohli struggled to find his rhythm. He managed a paltry 45 runs in six innings, his lowest ever T20 World Cup average.

This was a stark departure from the Kohli we’re accustomed to, the one who’s smashed over 20,000 runs across formats, averaging over 50 in Test cricket. It was a stark reminder that even the best athletes are human, susceptible to dips in form and the pitfalls of overconfidence.

Fact Check: Kohli’s T20 World Cup 2022 average of 7.5 is his lowest ever in the tournament, significantly lower than his overall T20I average of 51.72.

This moment of vulnerability from Kohli provides valuable insight into the mental game of cricket. It’s a testament to his self-awareness and willingness to acknowledge his flaws. It also serves as a reminder that the path to success is rarely linear. Even giants like Kohli experience setbacks, and the ability to learn from them is what separates the legends from the rest.

As Kohli himself stated, “I am learning every day. I am always looking to improve and be better. This is a journey and it’s about learning and growing.” This journey, both on and off the field, makes Kohli’s story all the more engaging. His openness and honesty, coupled with his dedication to continuous improvement, make him a relatable figure for fans worldwide.

So, the next time you see Kohli at the crease, remember his humbling confession. Remember that even the greatest can falter, but it’s their ability to rise above those challenges that defines their legacy.