England youngster reveals Virat Kohli’s lasting impact: ‘He’s always at the end of phone’

The English youngster will once again look to lean on the guidance he received from Virat Kohli as he is set to make his Test debut.

Updated on: Aug 18, 2026, 07:39:06 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

England youngster Jordan Cox feels fortunate to have spent four months with Virat Kohli, who has remained just a call or text away whenever the youngster has doubts. Although Cox did not make his IPL debut for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the chance to spend time in the dressing room with Kohli and build a close bond with the Indian legend has been a privilege. Cox has valued the experience of being around Kohli, who has been there for him whenever he has needed advice or reassurance.

Virat Kohli has been a mentor-like figure for Jordan Cox. (ANI Pic Service)

The English youngster recalled the advice Kohli gave him during their time together, particularly as the youngster prepared to make his international debut. While he chose not to reveal everything they discussed, Cox said the Indian great urged him to embrace the occasion rather than get weighed down by the pressure surrounding it.

"I probably don't want to share all of them, but I just wanted to ask him a few questions. He was saying: 'Enjoy the moment. You only get one debut. Just enjoy it and have fun'," Cox told BBC Sport.

Kohli also reminded Cox of the sacrifices made by his family and friends, urging him to make the most of the opportunity and give them something to be proud of.

“Family and friends, everything they have worked hard for, every time they have come to a game to support you, show them something why they have done all that sacrifice for you,” he added.

Also Read - Ravindra Jadeja completes rare Test double: Where he ranks among greatest all-rounders of the game

With Jacob Bethell ruled out with a knee injury, Cox is set to move up to No. 3 for at least the opening two Tests of England’s three-match series against Pakistan. The youngster will once again look to lean on the guidance he received from Kohli as he takes on the responsibility.

"I'll keep it forever, I think," said Cox. "He's someone that I've looked up to and I've managed to spend what felt like four months with him in India. He's someone that I'll text if I'm ever feeling down or need a bit of help. He's always at the end of the phone," he added.

“Kohli one of the nicest guys you'll meet”

Cox also turned to Kohli after suffering a major setback in 2024, when an injury ruled him out just days before he was due to make his Test debut in New Zealand. The disappointment left him questioning whether the opportunity would ever come again, but a conversation with Kohli helped him put the setback into perspective.

"I was three days away from playing my first Test and then got injured, which was just unlucky, a freak incident," said Cox. "There were definitely thoughts of 'I'm never going to play again'. I had that Test cap right there, then I couldn't get it. It felt like that was the end, as bad as that sounds. I remember talking to Virat about it. He said: 'There are billions of people who don't even know who I am. The sun will come up in the morning - I don't really care'.

"Obviously he cares when he goes out on to the field of play, because he's crazy on the field. When he comes off the field, he's one of the nicest guys you'll meet. It's about how I can be like that. How can I be really aggressive on the field, then when I come off everyone says 'He's a great bloke'?" he added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

Get live cricket scores, match updates, schedules, results and ICC rankings. Follow the latest news, statistics and performances of top teams and players on Hindustan Times.