Virat Kohli cried all night after early rejection

India captain ViratKohli has revealed how he "howled" through the night after being rejected by his state side before turning into the world's leading batsman.

Kohli and his Bollywood actress wife Anushka Sharma spoke about their lives and careers in an online session with students on how to get motivated.

"The first time I was rejected in the state selections, I remember it was late at night and I just cried," said the 31-year-old cricket superstar.

"I howled till about three in the morning and I could not believe it.

"Because I scored well, everything was going perfectly for me. I performed till I reached that stage and I was rejected.

"And I kept asking my coach for two hours, why didn't it happen? And I couldn't make sense of it. But when there is passion and commitment, that motivation comes back to you."

Kohli made his debut for home state Delhi in 2006 before breaking into the national team two years later in a one-day international against Sri Lanka.

He has since shattered records on the way to accumulating 7,240 runs, including 27 centuries and 22 fifties in 86 Tests.

His marriage to Sharma in 2017 has added to the spotlight on him and Kohli credited his wife for improving his temper.

Dhaka/Mukul