The highly skilled and reliable Virat Kohli’s defining performances are becoming testaments to his technique and temperament. Certain to become a future pivot for India.
By Abhishek Dinman
India will be indebted to young Kohli for steering India, almost singlehandedly, to their first tri-series win against Sri Lanka on Wednesday in Perth. His innings of 77 had all the elements of a star in the making – fighting spirit, belief to resurrect and an almost brash craving to win.
India will be indebted to young Kohli for steering India, almost singlehandedly, to their first tri-series win against Sri Lanka on Wednesday in Perth. His innings of 77 had all the elements of a star in the making – fighting spirit, belief to resurrect and an almost brash craving to win.
Almost expectedly now, the much-vaunted opening pair perished without making much impression. The old-warhorses in the middle-order may have been there and done that, but they still needed to do more.
All eyes were glued to the Delhi lad to once again pull India out of the hole they were slipping into. He delivered, and how! He combated cramps midway through his innings but his poise and doggedness ensured the team reached the brink of victory.
There was an authoritative air to his approach. His dash for a hopeless single to retain strike led to his exit but the intention couldn’t be faltered. He believed he was well set and backed himself to brave the likes of Lasith Malinga.
But when in the field, he recorded his sixth 50 against Lanka (already his 19th overall).
Also, full marks to Ashwin and Jadeja for thwarting Lanka’s designs and guide the team to a thrilling finish. The absence of any bouts of nerves is a sign of things to come. One can only hope it is not an aberration!
But back to Kohli. Soon after he stepped on to the grass at the WACA ground, he domineeringly tapped the second ball of his innings through square-leg for four. He appeared to be in charge from the start.
He is evolving with each game. Today, at number three on the ICC ODI list, he is the highest-ranked Indian batsman. He was in sublime form against Australia in the Test series on his maiden tour, ending up as India’s highest run-getter with 300 runs, when the others around him failed wretchedly.
In October 2011, England faced India in a return ODI series in India. India won 5-0 and Kohli was the highest run-scorer on either side with 270 runs across five matches and a highest score of 112 not out. The seeds of a great in the becoming had been sown and he was relishing it.
His USP is that he is imperious off his hips and comfortable on pacy tracks. But that is not only what he thrives on. He is, perhaps, the most athletic fielder around and often saves around 20 runs for his team. You can add that to India’s total. He knows how to get the best out of his body.
If Sachin Tendulkar is the undoubted council of elders, Kohli is already nursing a bunch of fringe players through inspirational displays. Ice-cool under the severest pressure, Kohli’s start to the game is no less enigmatic.
His first tryst with the game was based on an emotional outing. He caught the imagination of all and sundry when he played for Delhi in a Ranji Trophy tie against Karnataka on the day of his father’s demise.
He was crucially needed by his team when he should ideally have been home. But life is all about making choices. He stuck around and went on to score 90.
Coping successfully with what life offers is sometimes the most difficult skill. Kohli’s was an extreme example and he dealt with it as a man.
Perhaps, he has learnt the art of simply taking a deep breath and talk to the God of his understanding.
What does it say of such a man? That he doesn’t drop his guard for an instant.
All eyes were glued to the Delhi lad to once again pull India out of the hole they were slipping into. He delivered, and how! He combated cramps midway through his innings but his poise and doggedness ensured the team reached the brink of victory.
There was an authoritative air to his approach. His dash for a hopeless single to retain strike led to his exit but the intention couldn’t be faltered. He believed he was well set and backed himself to brave the likes of Lasith Malinga.
But when in the field, he recorded his sixth 50 against Lanka (already his 19th overall).
Also, full marks to Ashwin and Jadeja for thwarting Lanka’s designs and guide the team to a thrilling finish. The absence of any bouts of nerves is a sign of things to come. One can only hope it is not an aberration!
But back to Kohli. Soon after he stepped on to the grass at the WACA ground, he domineeringly tapped the second ball of his innings through square-leg for four. He appeared to be in charge from the start.
He is evolving with each game. Today, at number three on the ICC ODI list, he is the highest-ranked Indian batsman. He was in sublime form against Australia in the Test series on his maiden tour, ending up as India’s highest run-getter with 300 runs, when the others around him failed wretchedly.
In October 2011, England faced India in a return ODI series in India. India won 5-0 and Kohli was the highest run-scorer on either side with 270 runs across five matches and a highest score of 112 not out. The seeds of a great in the becoming had been sown and he was relishing it.
His USP is that he is imperious off his hips and comfortable on pacy tracks. But that is not only what he thrives on. He is, perhaps, the most athletic fielder around and often saves around 20 runs for his team. You can add that to India’s total. He knows how to get the best out of his body.
If Sachin Tendulkar is the undoubted council of elders, Kohli is already nursing a bunch of fringe players through inspirational displays. Ice-cool under the severest pressure, Kohli’s start to the game is no less enigmatic.
His first tryst with the game was based on an emotional outing. He caught the imagination of all and sundry when he played for Delhi in a Ranji Trophy tie against Karnataka on the day of his father’s demise.
He was crucially needed by his team when he should ideally have been home. But life is all about making choices. He stuck around and went on to score 90.
Coping successfully with what life offers is sometimes the most difficult skill. Kohli’s was an extreme example and he dealt with it as a man.
Perhaps, he has learnt the art of simply taking a deep breath and talk to the God of his understanding.
What does it say of such a man? That he doesn’t drop his guard for an instant.
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