'You see him doing it and want to copy that' - Will Jacks on how Virat Kohli inspires next generation of youngsters

Mastering profound skills and talent is important, yet what truly sets individuals apart is the relentless hunger and unyielding desire to continually strive for more, as well as a steadfast dedication to perpetual improvement and refinement. Numerous personalities in the cricketing world exhibit this attribute, yet few compare to Indian cricketer, Virat Kohli, who elevates it to unparalleled heights, with his performances over the years serving as a testament to his relentless drive.

On May 27, 2024, English batting all-rounder Will Jacks, who participated in the IPL for the first time this season, discussed his experience with reporters. This conversation occurred a little over two weeks after his last game for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. He was set to return to England to prepare for the ongoing Pakistan T20I series, following the directive from the England & Wales Cricket Board, to secure essential match practice for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled for June. 

The powerhouse, who alongside Kohli set a record-shattering 166* (74) second-wicket partnership in one of their afternoon games against the Gujarat Titans, leading RCB to a nine-wicket victory, praised Kohli as the quintessential exemplar for youngsters. Jacks attributed this to Kohli's meticulous approach to training and every aspect of the game, his relentless intensity, and his exceptional work ethic both on and off the field, always thirsting for more. Jacks noted that Kohli’s long-standing persistence and consistent efforts inspire young players like him to emulate his endeavours, who often shy away from going the extra mile.

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"He's a very good role model. The way he approaches all the training and every aspect of the game off the field, his intensity, everything he does is with 100% attention. He's done it for such a long time, and I appreciate that as a young guy who often doesn't want to do the hard yards, but you see him doing it and want to copy that," shared Jacks, while speaking to reporters.

It's getting closer now and we're building in the right direction: Jacks

The dynamic batter, who burst onto the England scene in 2022 and remains relatively green in international cricket, boasting 2 Tests, 7 ODIs, and 12 T20Is in his portfolio, revealed his childhood dream of participating in a World Cup. With optimism for the future, he affirmed his belief that England's preparation was proceeding in the correct direction and that they were on the right track to have a successful campaign in the Caribbean and the US.

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"Playing in a World Cup is something I've dreamed of since I was a little kid. I'm really excited to do it. It's getting closer now and we're building in the right direction," added Jacks.