The fertile ground for nurturing cricketing talent in West Delhi was sowed not just with sweat and dedication, but also against an extraordinary backdrop of historical trials and transformations. Before the late 1990s, the area was devoid of cricket academies, an understandable situation given its history. The region had primarily been a refuge, a sanctuary for those displaced by the bloody Partition of 1947, which split India and Pakistan into separate nations. This pivotal moment in history saw millions, particularly Sikhs and Hindu Punjabis, migrate from what became Pakistan to India, inflating Delhi’s population by about 90% over the next five years. Previously unclaimed deciduous land west of Karol Bagh was rapidly transformed into vibrant refugee colonies like Punjabi Bagh, Rajinder Nagar, and Rajouri Garden—eventually making West Delhi a quintessentially Punjabi enclave.
This vibrant Punjabi belt became the unlikely breeding ground for a cricketing prodigy who would eventually captivate a nation. In early 1998, Rajkumar Sharma, a visionary cricket enthusiast, established an academy that would become the nurturing home for many aspiring cricketers in the area. Sharma’s academy began its journey at St Xavier’s Convent, where he meticulously chose 250 hopeful young cricketers from an initial pool of 400. Among them was a young Virat Kohli, just nine years old at the time. Sharma recalls the young Kohli with great fondness and vividness, noting his remarkable resemblance to a young boy practicing nearby, who happened to be Virat’s nephew. Though mischievous by nature, Kohli’s prodigious talent was apparent almost immediately. “From the first time he picked up the bat, we knew he was special,” Sharma reflected. “Within six months, it was clear he was going places, although just how far was yet to be determined.”
Virat’s rise was not without anecdotes of determination and challenges, particularly during his age-group cricket days. Rajkumar Sharma, candid in his reminiscences, confirms some tales with agreement and dismisses others with a knowing smile. However, one story in particular brings an emotional resonance— the passing of Virat’s father, Prem Kohli, in December 2006. At the time, Rajkumar was in Sydney, accompanying his academy’s team in Australia. In the hours after his father’s passing, an inconsolable Virat reached out to his mentor in the middle of the night.
. Despite the personal tragedy, Kohli was set on continuing with a crucial Ranji trophy match the following day. Starting Day 3 with Delhi on a precarious 103/5 against Karnataka’s mammoth score of 446, Kohli’s determination saw him score a valiant 90 runs. The real emotional highlight came when Virat, rather than lamenting his personal loss, was more disturbed by his dismissal, believing he was not out. “That just encapsulates his passion for the game,” recalled Sharma.
In 2008, Sharma was witness to another milestone, traveling to Malaysia to support Kohli and his India Under-19 team at the World Cup. Captaining the team to victory laid the foundation for Kohli’s illustrious career. It was the same year he made his ODI debut in Sri Lanka, marking the start of an era defined by pursuit and realization of greatness. As of now, Kohli stands on the cusp of breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s monumental record of 49 ODI hundreds, a testament to a career filled with relentless pursuit and unrivaled dedication.
Consequently, in 2016, Rajkumar Sharma’s contribution to sports and mentorship was recognized with the Dronacharya Award, granted by the Government of India for coaching excellence. Reflecting on his journey, Sharma contemplates that not pursuing his dream of playing cricket for India resulted in a far more gratifying role—witnessing the fruits of his labor blossom into success stories like Kohli’s. “The recognition I receive now is immensely rewarding,” Sharma stated. “It’s humbling to be acknowledged for the years of dedication and effort.”
The influence of Rajkumar Sharma extends beyond his direct relationship with Kohli. It reverberates through West Delhi, a region characterized not only by its bustling streets but also by its close-knit community spirit. A visit to a humble tea-and-cigarette vendor reveals an authentic pride shared by the neighborhood for their beloved local hero and his esteemed coach. “We are all very proud of them, both Kohli and Sharma,” beamed the shopkeeper, embodying the collective acknowledgment of the achievements that emerged from their own backyard.
In essence, the narrative of Virat Kohli’s journey intertwined with Rajkumar Sharma’s coaching provides a profound reflection on the spirit of perseverance within the family-like folds of West Delhi. It is a tale that transcends cricket, reminding us of the powerful impact of mentorship and the nurturing environment that shapes champions.