India’s tour of England in 2014: Virat Kohli: Five Test Matches, Runs 134, Average: 13.4.
India’s tour of England in 2018: Virat Kohli: Three Test Matches, Runs 440 and counting, Average: 73.34.
These numbers tell us a different story within themselves. The numbers are a statement made by a champion batsman. Yes, there is a day and night difference between Virat Kohli of 2014 (England tour) and the present one. And the difference is palpable in these numbers.
There were doubts over the credentials of Indian skipper in England. However, it is never a good idea to question a champion player like Virat Kohli. Kohli could not play for Surrey and it raised doubts about whether he would come up roses in England. However, he was mentally ready for his most difficult examination. And hasn’t he passed it with flying colours?
Virat Kohli has updated his England’s CV in style.
There must have a mountain of pressure on his shoulders when Virat Kohli would have landed in England. A’ Great’ or a ‘Legend’ tag is generally given to subcontinent batsman when he scores runs in England, Australia and South Africa. That is the basic norm for a world-class batsman. Players like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Kumar Sangakkara fall in that category. So, Australia and South Africa had been already conquered but there were doubts over Kohli’s batsmanship in England.
In fact, there is no doubt among the three countries, England is the most difficult place to get Test runs. Thus, a good England tour from Virat Kohli’s resume was missing.
In fact, it was like an IIT tag missing from an intelligent student mark sheet who didn’t prepare well at the time of exams. Subsequently, Kohli had to remove the dark stain from his impressive cricketing career.
And didn’t he did in style? Kohli updated his England’s CV in charisma, with a brilliant 149 in the first innings of the tour. Consequently, smashing any question over his greatness to a massive six.
The change in approach was evident. No fishing outside the off-stump or the six stump line, which has been one chink in his armour. He was there to prove his mettle, telling the English crowd that why they call him the best batsman in the world.
Kohli has shown why he is the best in the business.
Virat Kohli has been a lone warrior for the Indian side. He has been a perfect helmsman who has always tried to take the Indian ship to the shore even while facing the thundering conditions. Kohli fought a lone battle in the first Test whereas when his deputy and other players stood by him at Trent Bridge, the result was both different as well as sweet.
He left cautiously, drove fearlessly, waited for the bad balls, remained patient, met the ball under the eyes, batted outside the crease to negotiate the swing. Furthermore, he gave respect to his biggest nemesis in the opposite camp, James Anderson. Virat Kohli had to make a statement and one can even work out a player’s technique in a manner in which the ball is left. Yes, there is intent in leaving the ball in Test cricket.
In three Test matches, he has scored two centuries and two fifties, that is four significant scores in six innings. That is called some consistency. This is the epitome of domination. Therefore, there is no doubt he has been a standout batsman and can stand tall.
With three matches down, England bowlers and think tank face a big question in their team meetings. How do they get Virat Kohli out before he takes the game away from them?
Kohli’s limited overs career has always weighed more than his red ball career. He has won some exceptional ODI games for India. However, he is also on his way to being called a fine Test batsman.
Virat Kohli’s comparisons are generally made with the likes of Steven Smith. With the former Australian skipper not playing currently, there is no doubt Kohli is the best batsman in the world. Smith might be a better Test batsman than Virat Kohli, however, there is no doubt Kohli is hot on the heels of the former Australian skipper.