Virat Kohli's childhood coach on his ward's success

'Virat is a born captain. He used to be the captain in the academy as well in childhood'

'Initially I used to scold him not to play the flick shot as he used to get out a number of times while attempting that shot. But with time, he has mastered that stroke'

Raj Kumar Sharma, Virat Kohli's mentor and childhood coach, has heaped praise on the newly-appointed India's limited overs skipper, saying the latter is a born captain.

Under Kohli's leadership, India have won 14 of the 22 Test matches and have enjoyed their longest-ever unbeaten streak of 18 matches.

"Virat is a born captain. He used to be the captain in the academy as well in childhood. Since childhood, he had leadership qualities. But the moment he became full time Test skipper, his captaincy and his performance both have improved and he has come off with flying colours," Sharma told ANI.

Speaking about the changes seen in the 28-year-old batsman, his mentor said, "He has made a lot of changes in his technique. I would here like to state that he has been a gifted cricketer. He adapts well and plays according to the situation."

The 51-year-old further revealed that Kohli's favourite shot is the flick.

"His favourite shot is flick shot. Initially I used to scold him not to play the flick shot as he used to get out a number of times while attempting that shot. But with time, he has mastered that stroke. Along with the flick shot, Kohli also likes to play the cover drive," he said.

Talking about the lean patch which Kohli had during the England Tour where he scored some 130 odd runs in the five Tests he played, his coach said that it was rather Anderson's brilliant bowling and not Kohli's bad technique which led to the Indian batsman's failure.

"Every player suffers from a lean patch. But I am happy that Kohli's lack of form came in the initial days of his career. During the England tour, Anderson bowled some very good deliveries on which any other batsmen would get out," Sharma said.

Against England on Sunday, Kohli again led the way with his 27th ODI ton, and 17th in chase, as India overhauled England's huge total of 350/7 to go 1-0 up in three-match series.

The next match of the series is scheduled to be played at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Thursday, January 19.