Virat Kohli - A complete package

Ready, Steady and Go. A missile named Kohli has been just fired at a scorching speed into the cricket field, to flame off the opponents.

This is the vision which comes into my mind when Kohli comes out to bat at number 3, andnd this very same thought has forced me to pen down this piece, completely dedicated to him. He has everything a regular 23-year old could only dream of. He is India’s vice-captain, a World Cup winner, an IPL star and currently in the form of his life. Virat Kohli is a man who has won every Indian’s heart with his sheer determination to excel. Currently, he is the youngest cricketer in the Indian ODI team who has assured his place in the team for the next 2-3 years. He is definitely an inspiration for the masses.

With Rahul Dravid gone, and VVS Laxman and Sachin Tendulkar almost done with their careers, selectors have already begun their search for young talents who can represent India in the long run and Virat Kohli is definitely one of them. Today, he is recognized for his growing maturity, and more importantly, for his superb skills with the bat. Even in the presence, or absence, of his other prolific partners, Kohli has carved out his own niche in the Indian middle order. As Dhoni slowly enters his thirties, selectors have been scratching their brains for an apt replacement who will lead the Indian Cricket Team in the 2019 World Cup and Kohli is one person they can never ignore.

Perfect No. 3

Kohli has made an unbelievable impact coming at number 3, behind stalwarts like Sachin and Sehwag. It just takes a handful of balls for Kohli – the brute man to turn into Kohli – the machine, and the destruction takes place. He just has one thing in mind – to keep the scoreboard ticking and he does that in style. He is technically sound as well as an accomplished stroke player all round the wicket and his timing on the leg side is elegant. He was an important presence during India’s World Cup triumph, where he struck a vital century in the tournament opener and then played a crucial knock in the final scoring a patient 35 while forming a crucial third-wicket partnership with Gautam Gambhir that allowed India to recover from the early loss of their openers.

Mr. Dependable

On an average, Kohli comes in, smashes a few balls here and there, gets the momentum going and then at an appropriate pace, he maintains the run rate and snatches the victory from opponents. Lately, making centuries has become Kolhi’s routine. He relishes performing for the team under pressure and gets pretty disturbed when he fails to do so. He is the man in demand, in any crisis. He bats with precision, he takes catches with precision, and he does fitness drills with precision. His work ethic has made him a source of inspiration for all his teammates. He worships his game and is ready to give anything for it. There have been numerous occasions when the team has needed a game-changing performance and Kohli has always come out and delivered.

Bangalore’s Hero

Since his very first day in the IPL, he has been an important part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore. The contributions which he has made as a batsman, fielder or captain cannot be just put down on paper. He has always been the go-to man of RCB. Whenever Dravid, Pieterson or Vettori failed, he was called upon to lead the team, and he was pretty successful in doing so. The ‘Kohli Winds’ have been flowing even before the so called ‘Gayle Storm’ struck the IPL. Even Vijay Mallya, owner of the RCB, agrees to the fact that he is an asset to both RCB and the Indian team, and his absence from any of these teams will affect them adversely.

Test Challenge

The main challenge ahead of Kohli is to perform in the longest format of game consistently over a period of time. He is being touted as Dravid’s replacement, filling up the number 3 void in the middle order. The home Test series against New Zealand will be a big test for the 23 year old. He is definitely the next big thing in Indian Cricket, but some solid performances in tests might make him the biggest thing to happen to Indian cricket in recent times.

Currently ranked as the No.2 ODI batsman in the world, he’s in the form of his life. Recently, he has also been nominated for ODI Cricketer Award and ICC Cricketer Award alongside the likes of Amla andf Dhoni.

This could be the beginning of a grand era for India, and Virat Kohli’s performances in the future will dictate if it will last for some time to come.