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

England youngster Jordan Cox has described his time with Virat Kohli at Royal Challengers Bengaluru as a hugely valuable experience, saying the Indian batting great has remained just a call or message away whenever he needs advice or reassurance.

Although Cox did not make his IPL debut for RCB, he spent around four months around Kohli and developed a close bond with the former India captain.

As Cox prepared for his international debut, Kohli encouraged him to embrace the occasion rather than be overwhelmed by the pressure surrounding it.

“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 and encouraged him to make the most of the opportunity.

“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,” Cox recalled.

With Jacob Bethell ruled out with a knee injury, Cox is expected to move up to No. 3 for at least the first two Tests of England’s three-match series against Pakistan.

Cox said the relationship he developed with Kohli during his time in India is something he will cherish.

“I’ll keep it forever, I think. 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 said.

“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,” Cox added.

Kohli helped Cox overcome Test setback

Cox also recalled turning to Kohli after a serious setback in 2024, when an injury ruled him out just days before he was due to make his Test debut against New Zealand.

The disappointment left Cox wondering whether he would ever get another opportunity. 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,” Cox said.

“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.”

Cox said Kohli reminded him that cricket was only one part of life and encouraged him to maintain perspective beyond the field.

While describing Kohli as fiercely competitive during matches, Cox said the former India captain is very different away from cricket.

“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,” Cox said.

Cox added that Kohli’s example had taught him the importance of separating his aggressive on-field persona from his personality away from the game.