Who is Virat Kohli?

Photo Courtesy: (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

It is time we ask this question. Who is Virat Kohli, really? What makes him so special? Why is he different from others? Plenty of questions, right? Let’s find out.

As Andre Russell launched the 4^th ball of the 20^th over into the stands to take Windies to the finals, the commentator said that, “this is not a one man team”.

Most of you would have understood by now, what I am going to discuss here first up. This was an indirect way to convey that India, even if you don’t agree, is a one man team which relies on Virat Kohli. You cannot possibly deny this. At least in the World T20, we witnessed this in every single game.

Ironically, many would have thought that the Windies rely heavily on Gayle to perform. But, last night we saw that when he couldn’t perform, other put their hand up. West Indies cricket is having a lot of issues but this might just become a source of inspiration for them to play Test cricket with the same passion again. Earlier, their Under-19 team made it to the finals of the U19 Cricket World cup and they won against India there. Now, both the teams, men’s and women’s have made it to the finals of the ICC World T20.  

We are digressing from the topic of discussion here. It has almost become like a job for Kohli to perform when the top order batsmen fail.

You cannot expect him to win matches for you every day, right? That brings me back to my question.

Who is Virat Kohli?

He is a matured, sensible and smart cricketer. He is India’s greatest match winner in recent times. He is not a fancy player. He does not play the scoops, sweeps and switch hits but does the job efficiently. He is an inspiration for millions. He is a man on a mission. He is a kind of player that is almost unstoppable after he finds his range. You cannot set a bar for this man, he will simply sail over it.

(Photo Courtesy: AP)

This man loves pressure situations, doesn't he? Give him the target and he just pulls out the game for you. Sheer class, I call it Kohli magic! Technique, yes you would like to have a good technique. But, the ability to absorb the pressure around you and perform on the big stage is what every player dreams to have in his armoury.   

Kohli simply hates losing. This attitude brings the best out of him. The greed for more, and to be the best has made him the cricketer he is today.  To be constantly aware of the fact that there are others in the race and someone can beat you, has kept him focused on his targets. You rate his innings as the greatest so far, and there next day he will prove you wrong!

(Photo Courtesy: AP)

I have seen people comparing him with other legends. But I believe, perhaps it is not right to do so. Virat Kohli is not the next Sachin Tendulkar. He has created an identity for himself. Yes, having role models is not wrong but you want to establish yourself with a unique identity at the end of the day. Kohli is doing just that.

This man loves pressure situations, doesn't he? Give him the target and he just pulls out the game for you. Sheer class, I call it Kohli magic! Technique, yes you would like to have a good technique. But, the ability to absorb the pressure around you and perform on the big stage is what every player dreams to have in his armoury.  This lad knows his game well.

This post was first published here.