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Indian skipper Virat Kohli is undoubtedly one of the best cricketers the country has ever produced. The 32-year-old is known for his elite mentality, high fitness standards and extreme passion on the field. While his heroics with the bat have always mesmerized everyone, it was his in-built leadership qualities that also stood out. When one of the greatest leaders of the game, MS Dhoni decided to quit captaincy, it was a big decision as to who will take over the reigns from him. However, Mahi and the entire team management were very clear that it will be none other than Virat Kohli. While he took over the Test captaincy for India in 2014, Kohli's actual leadership journey began way back in 2003.
Kohli appointed as Delhi U-15 captain
It was in ninth grade when Virat Kohli shifted to Saviour Convent school in Paschim Vihar to focus more on cricket practice. The move turned out to be a good one for him as he was selected for Delhi Under-15 to play in the 2002–03 Polly Umrigar Trophy. The right-handed batsman impressed everyone with his performances as he ended the tournament as the leading run-scorer for his team with 172 runs at an average of 34.40.
However, his heroics not only helped him earn some well-deserved appreciation, it also opened the doors for Kohli - the leader. On 27 September 2003, three students from Saviour Convent school made it into Delhi's U-15 team and Kohli was named as the captain of the side.
Kohli's captaincy journey begins
The added responsibility of captaincy brought out the best from Virat as he had a breakthrough tournament during 2003–04 Polly Umrigar Trophy. The youngster scored 390 runs in 5 innings at an average of 78 including two centuries and two fifties.
Kohli, the leader, never looked back after that and went on to lead the Delhi side in further age-groups as well. He led India U-19 to a world cup title in 2008 and later went on to become the skipper of the senior side. Looking at his journey, there are no doubts that Kohli was always destined to become a great leader, a reflection of which was seen way back in childhood by everyone.