Clive Gifford, Virat Kohli: The Incredible True Story, HarperCollins Publishers, August 2024, 121 pp., RRP $14.99 (pbk), ISBN 9780008608880
Virat Kohli is one of the most successful cricket players and skilful captains in the history of the sport. From a very early age, Kohli was fascinated by cricket, taking every spare moment to practice and develop his skills. Born in India, a country renowned for its love of the sport, Kohli had encouragement from family and friends in his growing up years.
It was not an easy journey to attain the high standard of play and acceptance into the mainstream teams of Indian cricket. There were times when Kohli had to accept disappointment, realise that he did not yet possess the level of skill that would take him to the top. Kohli patiently kept his mind on cricket, honing his skills to enable him to achieve his ultimate goal—to be captain of the Indian national team.
During the most recent cricket series in Australia—the five match test series Australia vs India—Kohli was a main drawcard to the event with fans keen to see the cricketing legend that Kohli has become in play.
If you are a cricketing fan who is keen to learn about the life of this cricket star, you will certainly enjoy Virat Kohli – the Incredible True Story. It is highly informative and (appears to be) researched. Gifford has taken great lengths to chronicle the life of this cricketer and, in doing so, present a true (though unofficial) account of one man’s quest for sporting fame.
This is not, however, a book to inspire the non-cricketers among us. The text is plain in its presentation, as can be the case with non-fiction—heavy on data and light on personality. I am not sure I gained an insight into what drove this cricketing legend toward exceptional success and fame however, determination was certainly a key.
Virat Kohli – The Incredible True Story is one book in a series of four Amazing Cricket Stars publications which highlight the journey of successful cricketers—Ben Stokes, Mitchell Starc, and Heather Knight. Cricket lovers, especially those who follow the high-profile cricketers and are keen on the recent history of the sport, will find all books in this series to be of great interest.
Reviewed by Jennifer Mors