Former Cricketer Sreesanth Reflects on Kohli’s Intensity and His Own Career Journey

Former Indian cricketer S. Sreesanth recently opened up about Virat Kohli’s intense and aggressive playing style, sharing insights not only into Kohli’s on-field behaviour but also reflecting on his own cricket career. Sreesanth, who was part of India’s 2011 World Cup-winning squad alongside Kohli, emphasized that Kohli’s strong personality and fiery presence on the field are key factors behind his extraordinary success. According to Sreesanth, Kohli’s so-called aggression should not be misunderstood; rather, it is passion and obsession that drive him to perform at the highest level. Speaking on Sehrawat’s YouTube channel, Sreesanth said, “I wouldn’t change anything about him. What people call aggression, I see as passion. Is Virat Kohli aggressive? No. I think he’s obsessed. People say he’s very aggressive, but if he toned it down, he wouldn’t be the same player.” His comments offered a unique perspective on how Kohli’s determination and intensity are integral to the player he has become over the years.

Sreesanth also discussed the diverging paths of his own career and Kohli’s after India’s 2011 World Cup victory. While Kohli made his Test debut in the series against the West Indies and steadily built a legendary career, Sreesanth did not feature in that tour. His own international journey came to an end shortly thereafter, with his final Test appearance in the fourth Test against England in 2011. While Kohli’s career flourished, establishing him as one of the modern greats of Indian cricket, Sreesanth faced challenges that curtailed his time in the national squad. Despite a return to domestic cricket, where he displayed strong performances, Sreesanth was unable to secure a return to the IPL or the national team, highlighting the different trajectories the two players experienced despite sharing the same World Cup-winning moment.

Reflecting on his career, Sreesanth also shared personal memories, including the famous 2008 IPL incident involving Harbhajan Singh, in which the spinner slapped him after a match in Mohali. He candidly discussed how the episode had a lasting impact on his family, particularly on his young daughter. “When I introduced my daughter to Bhajji pa, saying he had played with me, she immediately refused to say hi. I didn’t understand why. At school, she might have heard different versions of the story. We tried explaining, but she still didn’t want to talk to him. The next day, during the legends tournament, we told her that he was like an older brother to us. I don’t think Bhajji pa meant any harm—it was a spur-of-the-moment incident. It turned out to be a learning experience for both of us,” he explained. This episode highlighted the personal side of cricket, showing how events on the field can resonate deeply within players’ families and shape perceptions beyond the game itself.

Both Sreesanth and Harbhajan played pivotal roles in India’s cricketing successes, including the unforgettable 2011 World Cup triumph. While Harbhajan’s career continued for many years, Sreesanth’s international journey concluded at the age of 28, with his last ODI being the World Cup final. Nevertheless, he remained active in domestic cricket, performing admirably but ultimately unable to earn another IPL contract or a national recall. Looking back, Sreesanth’s reflections provide a compelling mix of admiration for his teammates, honest self-assessment, and personal anecdotes that paint a full picture of a cricket career filled with triumphs, challenges, and memorable moments.

Through his commentary on Kohli’s intensity and the lessons from his own career, Sreesanth offers fans a rare insight into the mindset of elite cricketers and the delicate balance between passion, aggression, and personal growth in professional sports.