Who was the third wheel between Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma?

For KL Rahul, making his Test debut for India in 2014 was both a landmark and a pressure-filled experience. The debut came during the 2014/15 Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, a venue known for its challenging conditions. Despite the match ending in a draw, Rahul's performance was less than stellar, with modest scores of three and one in his two innings. Such a debut could have been a substantial blow to the young cricketer’s confidence, as he struggled to make a mark on this significant stage. However, a heartening anecdote from six years ago sheds light on how Rahul managed to navigate through this tough phase. On a talk show with Renil Abraham, Rahul shared how Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, who is married to his teammate Virat Kohli, played a pivotal role in uplifting his spirits.

Sharma's support came at a crucial time, providing Rahul with much-needed encouragement and helping him regain his composure. Her gesture of kindness and support was instrumental in helping Rahul manage the pressures of his debut and move past the initial setbacks. This story of Anushka Sharma's support highlights the importance of camaraderie and encouragement in the high-pressure world of professional sports. It underscores how the backing of teammates and their families can significantly impact a player's mental fortitude and confidence, especially during challenging moments in their career.

"Both of them (Anushka and Virat) have been very good to me and I have a great story to tell you. Anushka was there to watch the Melbourne match. She could see that I was down and dejected (with personal performance) while my thoughts were all over. Anushka came to my room and told me she isn't going to let me sit alone and think about cricket and added that she and Virat are going to take me out," said Indian cricketer KL Rahul in a recent interview. 

KL Rahul became an unwitting third wheel during one of Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma's dinner dates. These outings proved to be more than just social gatherings; they became an essential source of comfort and encouragement for Rahul. During these dinners, the power couple opened up about their own experiences with failure and setbacks, creating a space where Rahul felt understood and less isolated in his struggles. Their candid sharing of personal challenges helped Rahul realize that even the most successful athletes face difficulties and that he wasn’t alone in his quest to overcome them.

The support extended by Virat and Anushka went beyond these dinners and spanned the week-long break before the next Test match. Their influence during this period was profoundly impactful. Both Kohli and Sharma, as individuals and as a couple, played a significant role in boosting Rahul’s morale and confidence. This period of encouragement helped Rahul navigate his initial struggles and provided him with a renewed sense of determination and belonging within the team. Their combined support not only helped Rahul cope with the immediate pressures of his debut but also laid a foundation for his future success in cricket. The warmth and empathy from Virat and Anushka illustrated the powerful role that camaraderie and personal support can play in an athlete’s career.

"I third-wheeled on one of the dinner dates. Both Virat and Anushka shared their stories describing moments when they had endured failure in their careers. That made me feel like I wasn't the only one who ruined his first impression. We had a week's break before the next game and they took me out every time with them. They are a powerful couple and have had a great influence on me as a couple," Rahul noted.