The rise of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, two pillars of modern Indian cricket, is a tale of belief, instinct, and bold decisions. Former India captain and chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar played a pivotal role in identifying and nurturing their talent, often going against the grain and even risking his own position to back these future superstars.
Backing Kohli Despite Opposition
In 2008, India’s Under-19 team, led by Virat Kohli, clinched the U19 World Cup in Malaysia. Kohli’s leadership and batting performances, scoring 235 runs in six matches, caught the attention of Vengsarkar. Known for his ability to spot talent, Vengsarkar was impressed not just by Kohli’s numbers but by his temperament and hunger for success.
Following Kohli’s success, Vengsarkar traveled to Brisbane for the Emerging Players Trophy, where Kohli scored a magnificent century against New Zealand. Convinced of his potential, Vengsarkar pushed for Kohli’s inclusion in the Indian team for the 2008 Sri Lanka tour.
However, the decision was met with resistance. Captain MS Dhoni and coach Gary Kirsten were hesitant about including a relatively untested player. The biggest opposition, though, came from then-BCCI treasurer N Srinivasan, who favored Subramaniam Badrinath, a prolific domestic player and Chennai Super Kings star. Despite the challenges, Vengsarkar stood firm and managed to get Kohli into the squad.
Kohli made his debut in the five-match ODI series, scoring a crucial half-century in the fourth game. Though his numbers were modest, his promise was evident. However, Vengsarkar’s bold move came at a cost. Srinivasan reportedly escalated the matter to then-BCCI president Sharad Pawar, leading to the premature end of Vengsarkar’s tenure as chief selector.
Rohit Sharma’s Journey: From Overlooked Talent to Rising Star
Before Kohli, Vengsarkar had already made another game-changing decision by backing Rohit Sharma. At the time, Rohit was a young Mumbai batsman known for his elegance but inconsistent performances. His potential was evident, but he lacked the runs to justify his selection.
Fate played a role when Vengsarkar, attending a wedding in Delhi, decided to watch a match between Indian Oil and ONGC. Rohit delivered a masterclass, scoring a century against a bowling attack featuring Munaf Patel and Amit Mishra.
Impressed by Rohit’s composure and stroke play, Vengsarkar recommended his inclusion in Mumbai’s Ranji squad for the Irani Trophy. However, Rohit was not included in the playing XI. Undeterred, Vengsarkar ensured that Rohit played in the Deodhar Trophy, where he showcased his talent with a scintillating 143 against North Zone.
This innings solidified Rohit’s place in the national selectors’ minds, paving the way for his eventual debut in international cricket.
The Legacy of a Bold Selector
Vengsarkar’s decisions were not without controversy, but they underline the importance of trusting instincts and recognizing talent beyond statistics. His unwavering support for Kohli and Rohit has had a profound impact on Indian cricket, with both players going on to become icons of the game.
While his tenure as chief selector ended prematurely, Vengsarkar’s legacy lives on through the careers of these two stalwarts, proving that bold decisions often shape the future.
