Virat Kohli’s Rise Was No Surprise To Those Who Saw Him Early: ‘Got That Mental Attitude’

Brett Lee lauds Virat Kohli’s mental toughness, recalling his intense focus from early career. The former discusses the pressure on Indian cricket stars.

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Brett Lee noted Virat Kohli’s mental attitude early.

Kohli’s intense focus set him apart, says Lee.

Kohli carried immense pressure like past legends.

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India’s Virat Kohli reacts during the first one-day international (ODI) cricket match between England and India at Edgbaston cricket ground in Birmingham, central England on July 14, 2026. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)

Former Australian cricketer Brett Lee has said that there are sportspersons who might not be the best at the start of their careers but have a mental attitude that helps them succeed over time and star Indian batter Virat Kohli was one of those athletes.

What struck Lee during Kohli‘s early years was not just his technique or talent; it was the intensity in his eyes.

Lee believes Kohli’s competitive intensity set him apart from the very start of his international career, recalling the unmistakable message he sensed whenever the two squared off against each other.

“You can see it in his eyes. There are sportspeople that, they have got it and they might not have it at the start, but they have got that mental attitude, whether they can just focus more than other people,” Lee said while speaking on Beer Biceps’podcast.

“And you have seen his eyes. He looks straight at you and just, not looks through you, but like, ‘It is game on and you are not gonna get me out.’ I saw that when I played against him,” Lee said.

“You see it now. He has had an incredible career,” the former Australian cricketer added.

Lee’s recollection offered a glimpse into the mentality that would define Kohli’s decorated career. But the former believes assessing his legacy requires looking beyond runs and records to understand the immense pressure that comes with being one of India’s biggest sporting stars.

“The other thing too, like the other reason why you cannot compare eras is that think of what Sunny Bhai did. You know, Sunny Gavaskar, he was massive, right? And then Sachin Tendulkar then became the guy that would try to take that mantelpiece off, well, that trophy away from him,” Lee said.

“Then Sachin got the glory of the 1.5 billion people back then that were all supporting him and he had to carry the weight of them on his shoulders. Then you throw in Kohli, who came to take over from Sachin,” Lee added.

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Original source: https://www.news18.com/cricket/