The Debutant's Guide to Pressure
England wicketkeeper-batter Jordan Cox is preparing to face Pakistan in a crucial Test series, and he's carrying crucial advice from Virat Kohli with him. Cox, who shared a dressing room with Kohli at Royal Challengers Bengaluru during the 2026 IPL, has
a relationship with the Indian icon that goes beyond a few practice sessions. He revealed that Kohli is someone he can text for help and is “always at the end of the phone”. The mentorship proved vital during two key moments. In 2024, when a broken thumb robbed Cox of his Test debut just days before the match, Kohli helped him find perspective. “I remember talking to Virat about it. He said: 'There are billions of people who don't even know who I am. The sun will come up in the morning’,” Cox recalled. Then, just before his eventual debut in June 2026, Kohli offered a simpler message: “Enjoy the moment. You only get one debut. Just enjoy it and have fun”. As Cox now steps into a more senior role for England, this guidance on handling pressure and appreciating the journey remains a cornerstone of his mental preparation.
The Rival Who Became a Student
Perhaps the most powerful testament to Kohli’s influence comes from across the border. Pakistan’s own batting superstar, Babar Azam, has openly credited Kohli for a significant shift in his approach to the game. Despite the intense rivalry between their two nations, a sense of mutual respect prevails. Babar shared that he once sought Kohli’s advice on how to elevate his own performance. Kohli's counsel was straightforward but profound: treat net sessions with the same intensity as a real match. “If you get out and play rash shots in nets, subsequently you will do the same in a match. His advice helped me and now I don't get satisfied with my batting at nets,” Azam explained in a video released by the PCB. This insight highlights a key aspect of Kohli's own success—relentless discipline—and demonstrates his willingness to share that knowledge even with his biggest competitors.
The Finisher's Killer Instinct
During his time opening the batting for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, England’s explosive batter Phil Salt got a firsthand lesson in Kohli's tactical genius. Salt recalled a moment during a tense run chase when the pair were struggling to score quickly. It was Kohli who identified the perfect moment to shift gears. Between overs, Kohli walked over to Salt and delivered a simple, two-word instruction about the incoming bowler: “Kill him”. That direct command was all Salt needed. He explained that Kohli’s game awareness—knowing it was the right match-up for Salt to attack—gave him the clarity and confidence to go on the offensive and break the game open. Salt described Kohli as “the most complete player” he has ever seen or played with, noting the rare on-field chemistry the two developed. This anecdote provides a clear window into Kohli's on-field leadership and his ability to empower his partners.
A Masterclass in Chasing
For many young cricketers, simply observing a master at work is a lesson in itself. This was the case for another of Kohli’s English RCB teammates, all-rounder Jacob Bethell. During the 2025 IPL season, Bethell spoke about how much he learned from just watching Kohli operate, especially during high-pressure run chases. “He was unbelievable with helping me out,” Bethell said. “Just watching him chase in T20 was great. His ability to change the gears is unbelievable.” Bethell specifically noted Kohli's mastery of 'percentage cricket'—knowing precisely when to attack and when to play safe to guide his team to victory. For a young player like Bethell, seeing that level of tactical acumen up close provided a blueprint for how to construct an innings and manage the most challenging moments of a T20 game. It's an example of Kohli's influence extending beyond direct words of advice and into a form of passive mentorship.
