Former Indian cricketer S. Sreesanth recently talked about Virat Kohli’s intense playing style and also shared some thoughts about his own cricket career. He said that if Kohli reduced or stopped showing his strong personality on the field, he would not be the same player.
Sreesanth, who played alongside Kohli in India’s 2011 World Cup-winning team, highlighted that Kohli’s aggressive attitude is a major reason for his success. He also explained Kohli’s behaviour on the field, pointing out the difference between aggression and passion.
Sreesanth said on Sehrawat’s YouTube channel, “I wouldn’t change anything about him. What people call aggression, I see as passion. Is Virat Kohli aggressive? No, I think he’s obsessed. People say he’s very aggressive, but if he toned it down, he wouldn’t be the same player.”
After India’s 2011 World Cup win, the careers of Kohli and Sreesanth took very different paths. Kohli made his Test debut in the series against the West Indies, while Sreesanth did not play in that tour. Sreesanth played his last Test in the fourth match against England in 2011, but Kohli’s career continued to grow and flourish.
Sreesanth also spoke about the famous 2008 IPL incident with Harbhajan Singh, where Harbhajan slapped him after a match in Mohali. He shared how the event affected his family, especially his daughter, and how she initially reacted to Harbhajan because of it.
“When I introduced my daughter to Bhajji pa, saying he had played with me, she immediately refused to say hi. I didn’t understand why. At school, she might have heard different versions of the story. We tried explaining, but she still didn’t want to talk to him. The next day, during the legends tournament, we told her that he was like an older brother to us. I don’t think Bhajji pa meant any harm—it was a spur-of-the-moment incident. It turned out to be a learning experience for both of us,” the Kerala-born cricketer said.
Both Sreesanth and Harbhajan were key players for India and played important roles in the team’s successes, including winning the 2011 World Cup. Sreesanth, now 42, ended his international career soon after the World Cup, with his last ODI being the final of the tournament. He later returned to domestic cricket and performed well, but these efforts were not enough for him to get back into the IPL or make a comeback to the national team.
FAQ
What did Sreesanth say about Virat Kohli’s playing style?
Sreesanth said Kohli’s so-called aggression is actually passion and obsession, and reducing it would change him as a player.
How does Sreesanth describe the difference between aggression and passion?
He considers aggression as outward behavior, while Kohli’s intensity comes from passion and a strong desire to succeed on the field.
What did Sreesanth share about his own cricket career?
He reflected on his journey after the 2011 World Cup, noting that his international career ended soon after, though he continued to play domestic cricket.
Did Sreesanth attempt a comeback in IPL or the national team?
Yes, he performed well in domestic cricket, but it wasn’t enough to secure another IPL contract or a return to the national team.
What personal experience did Sreesanth recall related to Harbhajan Singh?
He talked about the 2008 IPL incident where Harbhajan slapped him, explaining its lasting impact on his family, particularly how his daughter viewed the spinner.
