mobanmarketThe name Virat Kohli is now synonymous with Indian cricket just like Sachin Tendulkar was in previous years. Possibly the best batter in the world across formats at the moment, Kohli turns 34 today. The man has been on the international scene for over 14 years and is good to go further.
Evolution
But the Kohli you see today was not born overnight. A player evolves, works on his game and eventually gets better with time. Bad days come and how he responds to them shows his mettle. Kohli was no exception.
AFP
Still short of his 20th birthday, Kohli made his international debut back in 2008. Not too long ago he had led the U-19 team to victory in the World Cup final. A first-class record that was getting better was proof that he had earned his way into the national side.
In a year he was slowly establishing himself in a side that boasted the likes of Sachin, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Yuvraj Singh, Virender Sehwag, etc.
Early years
Soon Kohli was playing in all 3 formats and in his initial years was quite the firebrand. Was never afraid to give it back to the opposition and got into many verbal tussles. Not just players, he even showed the middle finger to the crowd in Australia on his first tour Down Under in 2011-12.
Peak form
But slowly maturity set in and while he was not shy from engaging opposition players, especially the Aussies, he let his bat do the talking. From 2009 to 2019, he was batting at a different level and runs were piling up almost at will. In the middle, he had some technical issues but worked on his game to combat swinging balls and in 2014, was considered the best batter among current players. A couple of years later, people were hailing him as the next Sachin.
AFP
Decline
Cricket however is a great leveler. 2020 would see the start of a huge slump as Kohli would struggle for big scores. 2021 was to get worse. No 100s in 2 calendar years and for the first time since 2008, three-figure scores began to elude him. People began to question his place in the side.
The 2021 T20 World Cup was the last straw. India failed to make it to the semis and Kohli lost his captaincy across formats in the coming months. After the horrifying loss vs Pakistan, Kohli defended teammate Mohammed Shami when bigots questioned Shami’s loyalties as he was a Muslim in the match vs Pakistan.
After losing his captaincy Kohli did talk about the problems he faced with mental health and how the marriage to Anushka and the birth of his little girl were so important to him.
AFP
Second coming
But nothing lasts forever. 2022 proved to be the second coming for Virat Kohli. The man with the most runs and tons among active international cricketers was back with a vengeance. The man who led India to their 1st Test series win Down Under was now providing his services as a batter.
Kohli scored his maiden T20I 100 and also went on to become the highest run-scorer in the T20 World Cup. The 34-year-old is back at his best and there’s no stopping him now.
Kohli’s career is far from over and he remains one of the fittest players in the world today. So expect to see him around for some time. More runs to come, more records to break and more memories to make. Thank You Kohli for your service to Indian cricket which of course is not ending anytime soon. And many happy returns of the day!
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