Virat Kohli: A Class apart

                                                             Source- DNA India

So inevitably, I had to write a blog on Virat Kohli and his stupendous achievements. Frankly speaking, I was waiting for the right time to write this blog; perhaps at a juncture when the Indian team wasn't playing any cricket matches. Unfortunately, the cricket calendar of our country is packed to such an extent that I hardly got an opportunity to write (It is a different thing that I was myself a little preoccupied!).

I am writing this blog on 5th November 2018; Virat Kohli's 30th birthday. Currently, he is at the heights of success, and it is a good time to look back at what has been an outstanding last two or three years for this batting colossus. 

In the 2nd ODI against West Indies in Vishakapatnam, Virat Kohli broke a host of records, the biggest one being that he became the fastest ever to reach 10,000 ODI runs. Going past legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Brian Lara, he has accomplished this feat in just 205 innings.

Well, Virat Kohli! Where should I start from- His exquisite cover drive, or his wonderful flick-shot sixes? His fiery nature as a captain, or his terrific consistency? His ability to chase down totals for a snack or his exuberant nature? Indeed, there is so much one can write about him. Nowadays, whenever I follow India in any cricket match, only one question comes up in my mind- Which record will Kohli break today? Indeed, he breaks records like he is breaking glass. That is how easy he makes batting look.

His record in ODIs since he took over captaincy in 2017 is stunning. In 2017, he scored upwards of  1460 runs in ODIs at an average of 76.84. If that average is splendid, his average in ODIs in 2018 is simply out of this world. Even though he has played just 14 matches in 2018, he has scored as many as 1202 runs at an average of 133.56!

He has transformed as a Test match player over the last three years. Before 2016, his average was lingering around the forties. But, since 2016, he has hit six double tons in Test Match cricket and now, his average is 54.58. If that wasn't enough, just look at his performances outside India over the last year. He was the saving grace for India in England in the test series, amassing 593 runs, with three centuries to his name. 

He is now 2nd in the list of batsmen with most number of centuries in ODIs. Having already scored 38 of them, he is just 11 behind the great Sachin Tendulkar. At the rate he is going, we can expect this record to be broken sooner rather than later. He is also 4th on the list of individuals with most number of international centuries (62 now!), behind Tendulkar, Ponting and Sangakkara. And to imagine that he is all but 30 years old.

Well, there are so many more stats which prove how great Kohli is. But, I have a few more reasons for respecting the man.

•  He is a team-man, and thinks about the team before thinking about himself. Even after achieving landmarks, his face radiates with focus and determination. This was evident in the 3rd ODI in Pune between India and West Indies. He literally did not celebrate after scoring his third consecutive century, as he knew that he had a task at hand.
• He has matured as a person since taking over captaincy! The change is evident in the way he portrays himself before the media. I remember watching a fiery press conference in 2014, where Kohli was taking a dig at Mitchell Johnson. He has mellowed down to a large extent now, at least of what I have seen on television or in press-conferences. There is a subtle sense of calm which surrounds the field when he is batting.
• He is very accommodative in nature. He ensures that all players feel secure in the team. This has been reiterated by many youngsters like Hardik Pandya and Yuzvendra Chahal in press-conferences. I also enjoy watching the camaraderie between MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli on the field. This is something which will take Indian cricket to great heights in the future. 

In recent times, selectors have been under the spotlight for leaving out players like Kedar Jadhav and Karun Nair without any rhyme or reason. But, I would like to appreciate the selectors for providing ample rest to Virat Kohli, so that he is fit and raring to go for future matches. India's cricketing calendar is packed, and it is very difficult for a player to play all matches. I feel that resting them is a good option for making them ready to play in more consequential matches. 

Virat Kohli is an inspiration for many. His approach towards every game is worth admiring. Other batsmen must take inspiration from him, so that they are able to emulate his consistency. The Indian batting order (both in Tests and in ODIs) is heavily reliant on him, and this cannot be the way to go forward. For the Indian team to be a potent force to reckon with outside the subcontinent, it is pertinent that everyone performs to their best. 

Not only cricketers, even we as supporters and fans have a lot to learn from him. His confidence and belief is amazing. His 'never say die' attitude is something we all must imbibe from him. 

For now, I wish Virat Kohli a very happy 30th birthday! I have immense respect for the way you play the game. May you continue to win many more games for India. May you continue to entertain us with your audacious strokeplay and indomitable spirit!

Jai Hind!