Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has offered a heartfelt and insightful perspective on the persona of modern cricket icon Virat Kohli. Speaking on the 'Beard Before Wicket' podcast, Karthik, who has shared dressing rooms with Kohli both for the national team and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), painted a picture of a fierce competitor who remains grounded off the field.
The Duality of a Champion: Fierce on Field, Normal Off It
Karthik emphasised the dual nature of Kohli's personality. He described him as a "fierce competitor" during play but a "fun-loving guy" and a "normal human being" outside the boundary ropes. The veteran player highlighted Kohli's Delhi roots, noting his typical Delhiite sense of humour, and praised him as a great family man.
"I have immense respect for him and I've always had a very good healthy respectful relationship with him all through," Karthik stated. He clarified that the mutual respect in their relationship wasn't due to age difference but how they treated each other over years of shared experiences, witnessing both "proper ups and proper lows." Karthik expressed admiration for Kohli's growth, stating he still sees the same boy he met for the first time.
The Unwavering Will to Fight: Kohli's Defining Trait
Delving into the qualities he admires most, Karthik pinpointed Kohli's indomitable spirit. He outlined the former RCB captain's "will to fight and not back down at any given time or situation" as his most admirable characteristic.
"I think he is a man who is made for the big moments because he wants it more than anybody else," Karthik explained. He contrasted this mindset, noting that while some shrink when a crucial moment arrives, Kohli desires that pressure from the start of the game, wanting the situation to be his to own.
A Serial Winner Built for Glory
Karthik backed his analysis by listing Kohli's monumental achievements, framing him as a "serial winner." He referenced Kohli's triumphs at the U19 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, the 2024 T20 World Cup, and the Champions Trophy. He also touched upon Kohli's long-awaited IPL victory, which he "eventually went on to achieve," while also finishing as RCB's highest run-getter.
"He is a man who enjoys winning more than anything else in life," Karthik concluded. "I genuinely admire that quality in him, the will to fight and not back down for a second. That's a trait you got to learn from that man. That is an unbelievable characteristic." The conversation, recorded on December 22, 2025, provides a unique glimpse into the mindset of one of cricket's greatest through the eyes of a longtime teammate.
