Book on Virat Kohli launched

A book penning the life of India's Test skipper Virat Kohli has been launched here in the presence of several high-profile cricketing personalities.

The book, named "Driven: The Virat Kohli Story" has been written by senior journalist Vijay Lokapally and published by Bloomsbury India. It was unveiled in an event here on Tuesday.

Kohli and his coach Raj Kumar Sharma were present on the occasion. Among the other luminaries present were Virender Sehwag, Kapil Dev, Anil Kumble, Ravi Shastri, Ashish Nehra, Ajay Jadeja, Karthik Murali, Hari Gidwani and Anjum Chopra.

Unveiling the book, Kohli said in a release, "I am humbled by the fact that Vijay sir wrote a book about me and grateful for the support of my family, friends, mentors, team-mates and the wider cricketing community who taught me how to believe in myself. This book is as much about them as it is about me."

In the book, Lokapally recounts life-altering tales and anecdotes on the journey of Virat's rapid rise to international stardom, an account punctuated with little-known stories by his fellow players, coaches and intimates.

The book celebrates the career of Virat Kohli and introduces readers to the man not known to many. At 27, he has already been the recipient of countless accolades including the Arjuna Award, the title of BCCI's 'International Cricketer of the Year' as well as the ICC's 'ODI Player of the Year'.

"I have tried to put in front of the reader the story of the making of Virat. There are some anecdotes which bring out the amazing cricketer that he is, a wonderful friend in the dressing room, and most importantly, an icon who speaks up for gender equality, safety of senior citizens and many social issues, as an important citizen of the country," Lokapally said.

Shastri in the foreword for the book wrote: "Cricketers have come and gone, but only a handful make their way into our hearts. They make you re-imagine the possibilities of the game and charm you with their astonishing abilities."

"It is left to us to wonder whether we enjoy only their presence, or see a legend in them, that will become indelibly etched in the history of the game. I can see Virat growing into a legend. He has the potential for becoming a benchmark for future cricketers."

--IANS

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