Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli has brought the spotlight on a deeply personal psychological experience that affects millions: imposter syndrome. In a candid revelation at a summit in Bengaluru, the RCB
star admitted, “You constantly feel like you’re never good enough – that imposter syndrome is always there.” Even after two decades at the pinnacle of the sport, Kohli described the persistent inner voice that questions his place, especially when young players watch his net sessions.
Here was one of the world’s most accomplished athletes, a player with records, trophies and global recognition openly acknowledging something deeply human: the feeling that you are never quite good enough despite clear success.
For many people, that confession felt surprisingly relatable. Because imposter syndrome does not only affect students, young professionals or people beginning their careers. Psychologists say it often appears most intensely among high achievers, people who are constantly expected to perform, lead and succeed under pressure.
What is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome, sometimes called impostor phenomenon, refers to persistent feelings of self-doubt despite evidence of competence or achievement. A person may believe their success happened because of luck, timing or external help rather than their own abilities. There is often an underlying fear of being “found out” as a fraud.
Importantly, imposter syndrome is not officially classified as a mental illness. However, mental health experts say it can significantly affect emotional wellbeing, confidence, work performance and relationships. Studies suggest nearly 70 to 80% of people may experience imposter feelings at some point in their lives.
What makes it particularly complicated is that external success rarely removes the feeling completely.
In Kohli’s case, his comments arrive after years of intense public scrutiny around performance, captaincy, expectations and leadership. The former India captain has recently spoken candidly about burnout, emotional exhaustion and the pressure of constantly proving himself.
Common Signs of Imposter Syndrome
Key characteristics include:
- Difficulty realistically assessing one’s skills
- Downplaying achievements and rejecting praise
- Over-preparation or procrastination followed by frantic effort
- Fear of failure or even success (due to raised expectations)
- A repeating “imposter cycle” where doubt returns with every new challenge
Why Successful People Often Feel Like Imposters
Psychologists believe imposter syndrome is closely tied to perfectionism, anxiety and high personal standards. People experiencing it often move the goalpost after every achievement. Instead of celebrating success, they immediately focus on what they could have done better.
This pattern is especially common in competitive environments like sports, corporate leadership, medicine and academia.
According to mental health platform HelpGuide, there are different forms of imposter syndrome. Some people become “perfectionists”, setting impossibly high standards for themselves. Others become “soloists”, believing asking for help signals weakness. Some constantly overwork to avoid feeling exposed as inadequate.
Meanwhile, social media and public comparison culture have intensified the issue. Constantly seeing curated achievements online can distort perceptions of success and fuel feelings of inadequacy. Researchers have increasingly linked social comparison with heightened imposter feelings and anxiety.
Can Imposter Syndrome Be Managed?
Psychologists say awareness is often the first step. Recognising that these thoughts are patterns not objective truths can help people separate feelings from reality.
Experts also recommend reducing unhealthy comparison, acknowledging achievements instead of dismissing them, seeking support and reframing perfectionist thinking. Therapy, mindfulness practices and honest conversations can also help reduce the isolation many people feel around imposter syndrome.
