There is one trajectory where Indian team always feel comfortable. There is no rush, no risks and everything look composed around. Virat Kohli, the young boy from Delhi is the new wall of India. He is a technically equipped batsman that makes him flawless against the venom of fast bowlers and whirl of the spinners.
The boy has today become young and matured cricket master. His controlled aggression, fitness, presence of mind and dedication to the game has made him one of the best match winners of modern day game.
His ability to adjust to different conditions made him elegant to watch. India in this World T20 match against Pakistan and in Asia Cup T20 match against the same rival top order batsmen have crumbled. Only Virat Kohli made the chase look easy on a green surface. But, at Mirpur, Sher-e-Bangla stadium wicket was really tough. However, Virat Kohli’s footwork and his approach to the game released the pressure.
Captain MS Dhoni after losing the New Zealand match had to say Kohli’s wicket was turning point. This proved how much India is over dependent on Virat Kohli.
Opener Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan have failed in both matches and middle order is lethargic to take the responsibility. Hardik Pandya can only bat on a flat track and Yuvraj Singh has lost his touch. When Dhoni comes to bat the difference between ball and bat either widened or squeezed; usually widened nowadays.
Virat Kohli’s early wicket helped New Zealand to bamboozle India for 79 runs in Nagpur. In the last nine matches, Virat scored 430 runs in nine matches with five fifty and India have won eight matches and lost one to New Zealand as Virat got out for only 23. The second best is 339 by Rohit Sharma in 13 matches.
Virat plays according to the situation. He loves to lead the proceedings when at the crease. He was compared with Sachin Tendulkar because of his ability to score runs prolifically. Unlike another player who wants to play big shots under pressure, Virat, a clever cricketer, does the opposite as he finds a gap and take tidy single and make fielder running exhausted. He also plays big shots whenever required. Many Indian batsmen if not in the world lack these characteristics.
Pitch and bowlers test his skills. In the Asia Cup T20 match against Pakistan, when Mohammad Amir produced one of the best bowling spells that sent shivers down the spine of Indian top order, Kohli brought calmness with a match winning innings. Virat respected Amir’s dangerous deliveries and pierce the gap when other bowlers hurled whatever at him. Virat’s flawless defense and patience helped him to handle Amir and had the last laugh.
Yes, the overdependence, though not ideal, will continue if Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan don’t find their mojo anytime soon.