In a cricket crazy nation such as India, many children are exposed to the game of cricket at a very young and impressionable age. Virat Kohli was no exception, but what made him the person that he is today? Was it hard work? Or were exceptional genes responsible for his current success?
National Geographic’s new series –Mega Icons – delves into the depths of the life of Virat Kohli and attempts to dissect the becoming of the current Indian captain. The show is hosted by R Madhavan and follows the life of various individuals that have been at the top of their fields.
The series takes a rather interesting approach, narrating the important events of the Indian captain’s life through the tattoos on his body. Inked at nine different occasions of his life depicting the turning points in his life, viewers are given access to the events that truly defined the modern great.
The series gives a scientific breakdown of how the events in Virat’s life made him the player he is today. The show employs various scientists such as neuroscientists, cognitive scientists and sports psychologists to provide us with a greater insight into the conditions that may nurture a star like Kohli.
However, the anecdotes and experiences shared by Kohli are the most interesting to watch and hear. One of the most heartwarming yet eerie moments of the episode is when Virat describes the night his father passed away and how the event impacted him.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the most glamorous events in sporting history, making every young player yearn to be a part of the spectacle. Kohli touches upon the vices that he had picked up during the initial stage of his career during the IPL. He describes the moment when he was at crossroads with himself and decided that he wants to be the best in the world, and what he would have to do to become the an all-time great.
The scientists in the documentary credit Virat Kohli’s instinct, formed over years through rigorous conditioning as one of the biggest factors for his success. They also explain the biological and cognitive reasons behind the formation of Kohli’s killer instinct.
It is not easy an easy task to go through every life event of the Indian cricket captain in the show. The makers of the series have provided a new and fresh approach which will interest a large section of Kohli fans. New facets of the cricketer’s life are shown, making the episode an interesting watch.
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