New Delhi, Aug 1 - Cricket star Virat Kohli says in his initial days in the game, he was judged for his 'cool' appearance, due to which people had the perception that he would be a "flash in the pan".
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\r\nIn an interview to the GQ India August 2018 issue, Kohli has spoken out about his audacious style which is relished by the millennials.
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\r\n"(When I started out), I was judged a lot. I would get constant feedback about my appearance. The perception was that a person like me would only be a flash in the pan," Kohli said.
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\r\n"But the truth is if you work hard, the game will give back. The game doesn't look at tattoos, it looks at commitment," added the Indian skipper.
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\r\nHe also feels younger players have become more confident because there is no mandate anymore.
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\r\n"If you have tattoos, earrings or styled hair, you're not stopped (at the junior levels) just because you're flamboyant. It's not like, if I style my hair or have tattoos, I won't dive on the field because it'll get spoiled," he said.
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\r\nWhen Kohli made his ODI debut, fresh off the U-19 World Cup victory in 2008, he stood out.
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\r\n"For me, winning is like an obsession. I've started to accept losses only now, but earlier, I would just go mad (when I lost)."
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\r\nBut now instead of obsessing over winning every time, Kohli is learning to enjoy the responsibility he shoulders.
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\r\n"I realise now this is not just about me working hard and doing something on the field, but also about seeing the larger picture. That I have this opportunity to do something special for my country," added the 29-year-old.<\/p>\r\n\r\n