Virat Kohli 'howled until about three in the morning' after being rejected by state side

India captain talks about crying tears of frustration on hearing rejection news as a youngster and his hopes for world after the coronavirus crisis is over

MOHALI, INDIA - MARCH 27: Virat Kohli of India celebrates victory during the ICC WT20 India Group 2 match between India and Australia at I.S. Bindra Stadium on March 27, 2016 in Mohali, India. (Photo Show more

India captain Virat Kohli has revealed how he "howled" through the night after being rejected by his state side before turning into the world's leading batsman.

Kohli and his Bollywood actress wife, Anushka Sharma, spoke about their lives and careers in an online session with students.

"The first time I was rejected in the state selections, I remember it was late at night and I just cried," said the 31-year-old superstar.

"I howled until about three in the morning and I could not believe it. Because I scored well, everything was going perfectly for me. I performed till I reached that stage and I was rejected.

"And I kept asking my coach for two hours: 'Why didn't it happen?' And I couldn't make sense of it. But when there is passion and commitment, that motivation comes back to you."

Kohli made his debut for home state Delhi in 2006 before breaking into the national team two years later in a one-day international against Sri Lanka.

He has since shattered records on the way to accumulating 7,240 runs, including 27 centuries and 22 fifties, in 86 Tests.

His marriage to Sharma in 2017 has added to the spotlight on him and Kohli credited his wife for controlling his temper.

"To be honest, the patience bit I have learnt ever since me and Anushka met each other. I was a very impatient before," said Kohli. The couple met in 2013 when filming a shampoo advert.

"The learnings from one another that we have had, looking at her personality, looking at her composure in situations has really inspired me to fight it out.

"Even when things are tough you have to swallow your ego and keep being there in adversity, keep fighting your way out and eventually you will find a way.

"So that's what I have seen her do and I have learnt from that."

Kohli said he can now apply the attribute "where things are totally against you."

"Sometimes you have to bat in a Test match for two hours for 20 runs but the team wants you do that. So you should be able to do that."

Kohli also talked about the current coronavirus pandemic and how he believes the world will be changed forever by the crisis.

He said: "The one positive out of this crisis that we as a society have become more compassionate.

"We are showing more gratitude to the frontline workers in this war, be it police personnel, doctors or nurses. I hope it stays this way even after we overcome this crisis.

"People have a choice now how to come out of this phase. Life is going to be different after this."