'Scored two triple centuries, they were not glorified' - Virat Kohli's U19 teammate Taruvar Kohli on not breaking into India team

Virat Kohli achieved fame and fortune after leading India to their second ICC U19 World Cup win in Malaysia in 2008. However, it needs to be noted that there was another Kohli in that triumphant squad as well whose first name was Taruvar. The promising batter had an outstanding tournament as he finished as the third-highest run-getter with 218 runs from six matches including three half-centuries.

While Virat went on to become the megastar of the game, Taruvar never got a chance to shine at the highest level despite showcasing consistent performances on the 22 yards. Lately, the senior batter has explained the reason behind him not donning the India jersey even once in the last 14 years despite scoring two triple centuries.

The stats got hidden: Taruvar Kohli

“I have scored two triple centuries – one for Punjab and the other for Mizoram – but since there was no social media back them, they didn’t get glorified and the stats got hidden. But cricket has changed a lot. When we were playing the World Cup (Under-19 in 2008), we used to play a few more dot balls. But the way it has changed today is like if you even play three dot balls, the management also doubts you,” he said while speaking to SportsYaari.

When asked about being compared with his U19 teammate Virat, Taruvar said that there will always be comparisons, but he does not pay heed to all that and has the habit of looking himself in mirror in order to compete with himself.

“We all are running out individual races. Comparisons would always be there since I was Virat’s teammate. But I have this habit of where I look at myself in the mirror and not compare myself with others. The way Virat has taken his game to the next level, credit belongs to him. I wish he scored a lot of runs and end the wait for his century which people so badly want to see,” he said.

The domestic veteran had an outstanding Ranji Trophy 2021/22 season in the group stages where he amassed three centuries for Punjab and registered  526 runs from three matches, averaging 131.50.

While his twin centuries, 151 and an unbeaten 101 came against Bihar, he scored another unbeaten 151 in the final group match against Nagaland in a losing cause. The 33-year-old was also outstanding with the ball, having registered two four-wicket hauls against Manipur.