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Driven

Written by Vijay Lokapally

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261 pages, about 5 hours of reading

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About this book

Virat Kohli, the undisputed monarch of the cricket world today, is no stranger to loss. His biggest support both on and off the field-his father Prem Kohli-succumbed to a cerebral stroke when Virat was only 18 years old. In a fitting tribute that would've made his father proud, Virat returned to the field to continue an innings just a few hours after his father passed away. In Driven, Vijay Lokapally recounts happier times in the journey of Virat's rapid rise to international stardom-an account punctuated with little-known stories from fellow players, coaches, and intimates. Virat is already the recipient of countless accolades including the Arjuna Award, the Padma Shri, India's highest sporting honour-Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, the title of BCCI's 'International Cricketer of the Year' as well as the ICC's 'ODI Cricketer of the Decade'. But for him, it's not about the fame or the money, or the roar of the crowds. Few know of his altruistic nature and his dedication to numerous charities for underprivileged children. What has not escaped the public eye though, is how this wizard of the willow wears his heavy mantle with such insouciant ease. In this revised and updated World Cup edition, readers can now delve deeper into Virat Kohli's cricketing journey with two new chapters, including one dedicated to his performance in the World Cups. Additionally, this edition features new images that offer a visual insight into his career, and an entertaining statistics section that provides fascinating cricketing statistics and records.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Driven, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • uplifting
  • inspiring
  • biographical

Vijay Lokapally's "Driven" offers an intimate portrait of cricket superstar Virat Kohli, exploring the foundational experiences and unwavering determination that shaped his journey to global acclaim. The book highlights how Kohli's unparalleled success is rooted not just in his athletic prowess but in his resilience, particularly after the profound loss of his father at a young age. It chronicles his rapid rise through the ranks, his numerous accolades, and his commitment to philanthropy, all while maintaining a humble demeanor. Through anecdotes from peers, coaches, and family, Lokapally paints a picture of a man driven by an internal fire rather than external validation, earning respect from both fans and rivals.

He was the one who drove me to practice every day.

Key themes

Resilience and Determination
This theme is central, highlighted by Kohli's ability to overcome profound personal loss (his father's death) and channel that grief into an unyielding drive for success in cricket. It explores how adversity can forge an unshakeable will.
Parental Influence and Legacy
The book deeply explores the formative impact of Virat's father, Pratap Singh Kohli, on his character, work ethic, and cricketing aspirations. His father's memory and initial guidance serve as a constant 'driver' throughout Virat's life, even after his passing.
The Nature of True Success
This theme challenges conventional notions of success (fame, money) by emphasizing Kohli's focus on dedication, humility, and earning respect from peers and rivals. It suggests that true achievement lies in character and impact rather than just accolades.

Worth discussing

How does Kohli's father's death serve as a turning point in his life and career, and what does it reveal about his character?

Chapter-by-chapter breakdowns, character arcs and the full thematic analysis come with a free account.

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