India trust in Virat Kohli, again
India trust in Virat Kohli, again
Effectiveness in modern T20 warfare became a buzzword surrounding Virat Kohli before the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Strike-rate was a recurring theme. Utilisation of the Powerplay phase, percentage of runs from overs 1-6, 7-15, 16-20 and the real value of his contribution to the larger cause were among the aspects discussed.
With the IPL nearing its business end and the T20 World Cup approaching, Kohli has put a full stop to the ‘can he’ talk. His response has come with a numbing barrage of runs and a cheeky post-match remark on strike-rates. With that issue put to bed, and runs in every stage of the innings using every kind of method, the IPL’s leading scorer is India’s best bet in a tournament they badly want to win.
Jasprit Bumrah is also in roaring form. But since his influence is restricted to four overs, Kohli is the uncrowned alpha male of this Indian pack. Technically, he is as sound and astute as he has ever been, and getting into perfect positions like reflex action. Mentally, he is fresh and hungry after a break just before the IPL. Having hit a purple patch in last year’s 50-over World Cup, he has kept raising the bar and displayed unmatched authority in all the formats.
“Adaptability is a crucial word in high performance,” said Justin Langer, coach of Lucknow Super Giants, in a recent interview with RevSportz. The former Australia opener was not referring to any individual, but his remarks explained how an all-format batter thrives. “People ask how do you go from Tests to one-day cricket to T20? How do players do that? My answer is: The best players do it. And it’s just an adaption of mindset.”
That mental makeup is a key cog in the Kohli wheel and it’s not only about different formats. Always in the hot seat irrespective of captaincy status, no stranger to controversies and the most sought after Indian on Instagram with 269 million followers, he has soaked up pressure and converted that into his advantage. He enjoys confrontation and feeds off the tension.
There were challenges for Kohli on and off the field before IPL 2024. There could have been inner demons too. By taking them head on along with the opposition bowlers, he crushed doubts and kept Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the race for a long time. With an ICC trophy he has never held coming up, the 35-year-old looks adequately motivated for a scrap.
In exclusive arrangement with RevSportz