Kohli’s childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma mentoring Assam ‘through crunch situations’ in Vijay Hazare Trophy

Rajkumar Sharma is no stranger to Indian cricket. He has trained thousands of budding cricketers at his West Delhi Cricket Academy in the national capital. But his name stands out for nurturing one of India’s greatest match-winners–Virat Kohli.

The two share a deeply affectionate, personal bond that has stood the test of time and fame. “Wherever, whenever he is playing, I am always there. I am planning to go watch him in Baroda [against New Zealand] also,” Rajkumar told Sportstar on the sidelines of the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT), where he is playing the role of mentor to the Assam team.

Kohli has featured in two matches of the 2025 VHT so far, scoring 131 and 77. The last time the former India skipper featured in the domestic one-day tournament was in February 2010. Rajkumar says his presence on the field would have undoubtedly given added motivation to players on both teams.

“He [Virat] was so excited and happy to help them. It’s a great pleasure for the boys to sit next to Virat Kohli or play with him. Everybody is calling me, telling me they enjoyed it and want him to play more matches with him. He has been an inspiration for the whole country,” the coach said. “Almost every day, we keep talking to each other about what he’s doing. I am really happy for him that he is doing so well,” he added.

Some in the cricketing fraternity have suggested that participation in flat pitches produced for domestic cricket will not serve as an ideal platform for preparation if Kohli wants to stamp his class in the 2027 World Cup to be held in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe. Rajkumar, however, doesn’t buy into that narrative.

“The amount of cricket he has played, the amount of performances he has given, he knows his role. He knows how to adapt to those conditions. He has done well in South Africa, especially. India needs him to win the World Cup,” the Dhronacharya awardee said.

The latest cricketing star to come out of Rajkumar’s stables is pacer Udhav Mohan, who will represent India Under-19 in the upcoming World Cup. “He is a very promising lad, a good learner and a hard-working boy. He has been with me since age nine. I am hopeful that he will do well in the World Cup and reach the highest level,” he said.

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Under Rajkumar’s watch, Assam has shown great improvement. The side earned a stunning four-wicket win over Hyderabad in its latest encounter, chasing down a demanding target of 311 in the last over. The coach says he is enjoying his time with the players.

“They are a really talented lot. They slightly lack mental toughness, for which Mr Devajit Saikia (BCCI Secretary) has brought me here. I am trying my best to help them out,” he said. “The number of facilities in Assam is just brilliant. The players are unable to express themselves. My role is to guide them through crunch situations,” the former Delhi cricketer said.

As Assam looks to build on its performances this season, Rajkumar is hopeful he can help the talented group take the next step forward.

Published on Dec 30, 2025