Virat Kohli’s childhood coach Suresh Batra passes away

Delhi-based coach Suresh Batra, who was assistant coach to Rajkumar Sharma when Virat Kohli initially began training at West Delhi Cricket Academy, passed away on Thursday 20th May at the age of 53. According to Vijay Lokapally senior journalist, Batra was doing fine, before he suddenly collapsed on Thursday morning after his morning prayers.

Batra was instrumental along with Sharma in shaping up Kohli’s career. The duo always taught the Indian skipper to work hard in achieving the goals. Over the years, the 31-year-old cricketer has often lauded the efforts of his coaches in helping him become one of the best players in the world.

“Suresh Batra (striped t-shirt), who coached @imVkohli when he was a teenager, passed away on Thursday. He had finished his daily morning puja and collapsed. He was 53,” Lokapally tweeted.

He further quoted Rajkumar Sharma, Kohli’s childhood coach, as saying, “I lost my younger brother. Knew him since 1985.”

Suresh Batra (striped t-shirt), who coached @imVkohli when he was a teenager, passed away on Thursday. He had finished his daily morning puja and collapsed. He was 53. "I lost my younger brother. Knew him since 1985," said Rajkumar Sharma. May his soul Rest in Peace…. pic.twitter.com/pW3avt6NpP

— Vijay Lokapally (@vijaylokapally) May 21, 2021

Batra’s contribution in shaping up future Indian players

Not only Virat Kohli, but Batra also helped many players from the Delhi team to give their best for the domestic and national teams. Recently 2018 U19 World Cup winner Manjot Kalra who helped India win the tournament was one of the many players Batra coached. The stylish right-handed batter scored a scintillating unbeaten 101 to help India beat Australia to clinch the fourth World title for Men in blue.

Batra instilled a fearless attitude in Kohli which helped him to achieve success for a long period of time. He always wanted the Delhi team to perform well and wanted his players to give it the best shot at everything. His role in shaping up the future stars is what made him one of the best coaches in the country.

Menanhile, Virat Kohli-led team India will now head to England to play the ICC World Test Championship final (WTC) followed by five-match Test series against England. Currently, the team is in Mumbai serving the mandatory quarantine period before departing to England on June 02. The women’s team too will depart playing an all-format series against England starting on June 16 and then playing three ODIs and T20 matches.

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