There can be few more exciting sights in cricket than seeing Indian maestro Virat Kohli at his best and whenever he does, the spectators, especially in his home country, are on their feet.
It has reached a stage that others can only dream of. He is the best batsman of the modern era in all formats of the game.
He breaks records and sets new trends in classic batting with every series. He is always ready to play against any opponent and anywhere in the world.
After the retirement of Sachin Tendulkar, it was assumed that replacing the Little Master would take a long time. But Kohli filled the space very quickly and efficiently.
Statistically, Kohli is ahead of the Little Master. Lately, India have won most of their matches, especially the one-dayers and Twenty20s, because of their compact and long line-up and Kohli is their backbone.
Former India captain MS Dhoni believes that Kohli and their current team will win more matches than him in all formats and that the team will rewrite history and become the most successful Indian team.
Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly rates Kohli better than Sachin when it comes to chasing targets.
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar once said, “To be a good player, you need talent, but to be a great player, you need an attitude like Virat Kohli.”
During a World Cup match between India and South Africa, Kohli celebrated his 35th birthday by scoring his 49th ODI century, equaling Sachin’s record.
Interestingly, Sachin too had taken a ton on his 25th birthday – April 24, 1998 – against Australia in Sharjah. Kohli took only 15 years to reach 49 hundreds, while Tendulkar’s ODI career spanned 22 years.
Kohli has hit 27 centuries while chasing, of which India have won 23 matches. On the other hand, Tendulkar had 17 centuries while batting second.
India won only 50.54% of the matches when Tendulkar played, compared to 61.59 when Kohli was in the team. Only 33 of Tendulkar’s 49 hundreds have come in victories, while Kohli has 41 centuries in victories.
Kohli’s overall ODI average is 58.48 in 289 appearances, but while chasing his average rises to 65.49 and rises to 90.40 in successful chases.
Tendulkar’s centuries came against 11 different teams, with 44 against nine full member teams and five tons against associate teams — four against Kenya and one against Namibia.
All 49 of Kohli’s hundreds were against the first nine full-member countries. Overall, he is the fourth highest run-getter in ODIs with 13,626 runs in 289 matches, at an average of 58.48 and a strike rate of 93.55.
Former Indian junior Sachin tops the list with 18,426 runs in 463 matches at an average of 44.83. Former Sri Lankan skipper Kumar Sangakkara (14,234) and former Australian captain Ricky Ponting (13,704) are just above Kohli.
Kohli’s technique is a sight to behold. His impeccable balance, precise footwork and ability to adapt to different playing conditions are unmatched. His wide range of shots and ability to play both pace and spin with equal finesse makes him a complete batsman. Kohli’s ability to construct innings and adjust his innings according to the team’s requirements is a testament to his cricketing ability and intelligence.
Kohli’s commitment to fitness and unparalleled work ethic have set new standards for cricketers around the world. He is often referred to as one of the strongest cricketers in the world. His dedication to physical preparation and maintaining peak fitness levels has not only enhanced his performance but has also influenced the Indian cricket team’s fitness culture.
One of Kohli’s defining characteristics is his adaptability. He has successfully adapted his game to different formats and playing conditions. Whether it’s navigating tough English conditions or dominating bowlers on spin-friendly subcontinent wickets, Kohli’s versatility is a key factor in his global status.
Mental toughness is a crucial aspect of cricket and Kohli possesses it in abundance. He thrives under pressure and often rises to the occasion when the team needs him most. His ability to maintain focus and composure, even in high-pressure situations, has led to numerous match-winning performances.
Kohli’s list of records and achievements is nothing short of amazing. He holds many records in international cricket, including being the fastest to score 8,000, 9,000, 10,000 and 11,000 runs in ODIs. He is the fastest player to reach 70 international centuries.
Kohli’s journey from a young cricket enthusiast to a global cricket icon is a testament to his dedication, passion and relentless pursuit of excellence. His legacy in the world of cricket is already assured and he continues to inspire generations of cricketers with his remarkable talent and unwavering commitment.
Kohli’s leadership qualities and abilities are commendable. Under his leadership, the Indian cricket team achieved many milestones, including the No. 1 ranking in Test cricket. His ability to inspire and motivate his team members, as well as making smart tactical decisions on the field, has been instrumental in India’s success.
In every game he plays, Kohli strives for excellence, setting an example for aspiring cricketers around the world. If Kohli stays fit and plays for 4-5 more years, he can set many batting records which could be difficult to break for a long time.
The author writes on cricket. You can contact him via email [email protected]
Originally published on TNS
a href=”https://www.geo.tv/latest/518721-a-dream-cricketer”>Source link
