Unless someone wants to look funny, I'll not recommend anyone to

The words of Virat Kohli—“Unless someone wants to look funny, I'll not recommend anyone to copy my bowling action. But on a serious note, with the confidence that I have got from the amount of runs I have been scoring, when I'm thrown the ball to bowl, I am pretty sure of what I have to do. I may not be the most attractive to watch while bowling, but I can be effective.”—speak with both humour and humility, yet beneath their lightness lies the wisdom of a warrior who understands the essence of confidence, purpose, and authenticity. Kohli’s reflection, born of the cricket field, transcends sport; it becomes a parable about self-awareness and the strength found in embracing one’s own imperfection. He reminds us that effectiveness, not appearance, is the true measure of mastery.

In his jesting remark about his “funny bowling action,” there lies an ancient truth: that not all power is wrapped in grace, nor all beauty bound in form. The world often celebrates the elegant—the ones whose movement dazzles and whose craft appears effortless—but Kohli reminds us that purpose, not polish, determines greatness. His self-deprecating humour shields a profound truth: that authenticity is mightier than imitation. To copy another’s form, simply to appear refined, is to forget one’s own rhythm. In every field—be it art, battle, or creation—true strength comes not from mimicry, but from knowing one’s own nature and using it fully.

When Kohli speaks of the confidence gained from his runs, he touches on another sacred principle: that self-belief is born from labour, not luck. His assurance when handed the ball is not arrogance—it is the serenity of one who has endured trial and emerged with knowledge. Confidence built on discipline is not fragile; it does not need ornament or disguise. This is why he says, “I may not be the most attractive to watch while bowling, but I can be effective.” He knows that the essence of success lies not in looking perfect, but in doing one’s duty with clarity of purpose. The ancient warriors of Greece would have called this arete—excellence born of character, not circumstance.

In history, we find many who, like Kohli, valued substance above show. Consider Socrates, mocked for his unkempt appearance and awkward manner. The citizens of Athens laughed at his ungainly presence, yet behind that seeming clumsiness was a mind that shook empires of thought. Or think of Abraham Lincoln, tall, gaunt, and unpolished in speech, yet whose sincerity and purpose reshaped the destiny of nations. Their greatness, like Kohli’s philosophy, was not in outward grace, but in the clarity of their mission and the authenticity of their being. They stood as proof that the world may admire appearance, but it is truth that endures.

Kohli’s statement also teaches the art of balance between humour and seriousness—a rare quality among the great. He begins with jest, disarming the ego, and then shifts into wisdom, revealing that confidence is the fruit of perseverance. This balance mirrors the wisdom of the ancients: that even the strongest warriors must laugh, for laughter keeps pride at bay. To laugh at oneself is to remain grounded; to act with confidence despite imperfection is to transcend it. In this way, Kohli embodies both humility and power—an artist who knows his flaws and wields them as strengths.

There is also in his words a call to accept one’s uniqueness. The modern soul is burdened by comparison—striving endlessly to look like others, to match their stride or mimic their style. But Kohli’s philosophy rejects this slavery. “Do not copy my bowling,” he says—not out of pride, but as a lesson: that every individual has their own rhythm, their own form of effectiveness. The wise do not chase beauty; they chase purpose. The wise do not fear awkwardness; they fear stagnation. When you act from authenticity, even your imperfections become instruments of success.

Thus, we find in Kohli’s quote a timeless lesson for all who strive: Do not seek to impress; seek to impact. Do not aim to appear flawless; aim to be useful, truthful, and effective. Let your confidence be built not on comparison, but on mastery born from effort. Laugh at your quirks, embrace your flaws, and let purpose be your guide. For when the moment of test arrives—when life throws you the ball—it will not be your elegance that matters, but your certainty, your focus, and your will to act.

And so, the teaching endures: excellence is not the art of looking perfect, but the courage to act with imperfection. Virat Kohli’s words remind us that humour and humility are the companions of true greatness, and that confidence without pretense is the surest mark of mastery. Whether in the field of sport or in the arena of life, effectiveness belongs to those who know themselves, who labour in truth, and who trust the rhythm of their own imperfect form.