Always knew Virat Kohli had exceptional talent: Dilip Vengsarkar

Former chairman of selectors Dilip Vengsarkar has revealed that he always knew that Virat Kohli was “exceptional” when he first saw the RCB captain in age group cricket. It was during the tenure of Vengsarkar – from 2006-08 – that Kohli broke into the national side.

"Selecting talent was my forte. I will tell you something. You might be good at spotting talent but what you do after spotting is very important. If someone is talented, you have to induct him and give him chances," 64-year-old Vengsarkar told news agency PTI.

"I have watched a lot of U-16 and U-19s as TRDW (Talent Research Development Wing) chairman and watched Virat a lot during his junior cricket days. So, when I became chairman of selection committee, we picked him for an Emerging Tour of Australia. I was there and when I saw him bat, I knew he is ready for big-time cricket," Vengsarkar continued.

However, former India captain added that a selector is never how long a career a player is going to have. It’s about picking the talent and nurturing them by showing confidence.

"You can never be sure whether someone will go on to play that long. What I saw was an exceptional talent and if you have an eye, you would know which players are more likely to succeed at the highest level.

"You need to have something extra. Virat had that," the former India captain said. Every selector must have courage and conviction along with eye for talent. If you are convinced about someone, you have to back him to the hilt. That's what good selectors do," he said.

Vengsarkar was always convinced about Kohli’s exceptional talent and believed that he needed backing at the highest level. Vengsarkar is also credited for promoting MS Dhoni as the captain of the Indian Team.

"All those players whom I spotted there grew in stature. That gives me immense pride and a sense of satisfaction," Vengsarkar concluded.