Virat Kohli: The King is here to stay

True humility is contentment

Mitra-samprpti, The Gaining of Friends

Seeing the favour the rat performed to free the dove (or pigeon) and her companions, a crow decides to befriend the rat, despite the rat's initial objections. The storyline evolves as their friendship grows to include the turtle and the fawn. They collaborate to save the fawn when he is trapped, and later they work together to save the turtle, who falls in the trap.

This is the hardest of the goals to achieve for a sportsman. To fight battles long and hard with your competitors and yet earn their respect off the field.

The unspoken demand to display genuine humility and take time to give back to the sport, to individuals who are suffering from life-threatening diseases, to the fans who would give anything they have to speak to you or click a photo with, to remembering friends and still be there for them, to make proud their parents.

"My approach to cricket has been reasonably simple: it was about giving everything to the team, it was about playing with dignity and it was about upholding the spirit of the game. I hope I have done some of that. I have failed at times, but I have never stopped trying. It is why I leave with sadness but also with pride." - Rahul Dravid

Dravid spoke in a way that reflected his character as much as the occasion. There were jokes, but only a handful, echoing the studious nature of the man. More abundant were thoughtful, considered observations, sculpted with care and precision like so many of Dravid's strokes for India in Test matches over the past 15 years – Australian media after Rahul Dravid speech at the annual Bradman Oration.

“That’s how it all started with me. I would ride my bike from home – about five to 10 minutes away – and I was a ballboy here all day long and would go back home and do it again the next day. So I always have a tradition where everyone has a pizza with me after the final. It’s been 11 times now. I do it win or lose, regardless," – Roger Federer

Virat Kohli’s aggressive streak and edgy attitude do not go well with some who mistake it for hostility. He leaves no stone unturned on the field and sometimes emotions spill over.

I know it takes time but I think I have matured enough to start an organization for children who cannot afford education or play any sport,” he said. “If I am able to inspire kids to achieve something, that will be my biggest achievement” – Virat Kohli

All said and done, while he has of late started to be adored by his fans and respected by his peers for his spirit and personality only once the shadows start setting on his career will we be able to truly take stock of whether the humility matched up to his sporting prowess.

Till then, sit back on your chairs and enjoy what is hopefully the beginning of a magical era – King Kohli is here to stay.