Kohli's Flamboyance Made Him The Star

I met Virat Kohli for the first time at the National Cricket Academy during a zonal under-17 tournament.

- SHREEVATS GOSWAMI

I was representing East Zone and he was playing for North Zone. He was a flamboyant and fun-loving character who stood above the rest.

He never shied away from showing his intent, or cracking a joke. He does not hide anything; he is what everyone sees of him. And he remains the same. When we meet today, he interacts in the same manner. People say he has changed over the years. A 35-year-old man will not do the immature things that an 18-year-old boy once did. That is the law of life.

Young Virat loved eating and partying. During our Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia, we often went out and Virat used to lead the pack. We partied wildly after the win. In Malaysia, we saw Virat the fashionista. His dressing sense and how he carried himself was new for many of us. He liked good clothes and sunglasses.