Legendary Virat Kohli penned an emotional father’s day note for his late dad on Sunday, June 15. The former India captain revealed on Instagram the exact moment which shaped his entire life’s mantra.
Late on Sunday, Kohli wrote that it was his father that instilled the ethics of hard work in him. He revealed that despite being given a shortcut to the team during his early days, his father closed that door for him, directing him to earn his place in the side.
“He taught me to never rely on shortcuts or influence — because if you truly have it in you, hard work will show it. And if you don’t have the will to work for it, then maybe you don’t deserve it yet,” Virat Kohli said on Instagram.
“When I was offered an easier path once, he refused it for me. With calm conviction, he said,
‘If you’re good enough, you’ll find your way. And if not, it’s better to know that early.’ That one moment shaped how I live, work, and show up in the world. Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers whose quiet strength becomes our lifelong compass,” Kohli concluded.
Virat Kohli’s father Prem Nath Kohli was a lawyer by profession. He was a pivotal figure in shaping the early life and career of the renowned Indian cricketer. Born into a Punjabi Hindu family in Delhi, Virat’s formative years were significantly influenced by his father’s guidance and support. Prem Kohli’s discipline and integrity would later reflect in Virat’s approach to cricket.
In 2006, Prem Kohli passed away due to a stroke at the age of 54. This event had a profound impact on Virat. Despite the personal loss, Virat displayed remarkable resilience and commitment to cricket. Just a day after his father’s passing, he played a crucial match for Delhi against Karnataka, scoring 90 runs—a testament to his determination and dedication to the sport.
Earlier in the day, Kohli’s wife Anushka Sharma penned a lovely note for her husband. Anushka took to Instagran and wrote, “To the first man I ever loved—and the first man our daughter did. Happy Father’s Day to all the beautiful fathers everywhere (sic).”
