05/11/2022
"KOHLI! KOHLI!" - the name resonates throughout the MCG after he clinched a win out of nowhere for India. A lot has been said about Virat Kohli in these last three years. A lot. But the man has stood tall through all that and announced he is still the king. He managed to hit Pakistan's best bowler, Haris Rauf, two sixes in the 19th over - two sixes which will be spoken of in future. These shots are not something which the cricket crazy Indians will forget in years to come. The match winning knocks of 82* from Mohali to Melbourne are the one for the history books and something which has further immortalized the legacy of Virat Kohli.
I won't talk about his records because then this writeup may never end. Even as a captain, he eclipsed many Indian leaders in my opinion. Being the best player in the team has nothing to do with leadership - which even the greatest like Sachin Tendulkar realized it early in his career. Kohli is always known to be someone who faces conflict head-on, who puts pressure on the opponents and rarely succumbs to it himself. But somehow, towards the end of his captaincy era, the frenzy of much coveted 71st century got to him.
India is a cricket crazy nation but they took it up a notch in these last few years. Fans and pundits criticized not just Kohli's game but also each and every aspect of his personal life. The job of a paparazzi didn't look far fetched for social media warriors as the fans, the media and the BCCI took it upon their hands to always focus on Kohli. What they indeed forget that this is the same man who played throughout the day in his first Ranji Trophy campaign after he lost his father early that day.
Kohli has changed a lot from his early days. He is more sensible than aggressive on and off the pitch, he prioritizes his family while also being the best batsman of his nation. Unfortunaly, despite proving himself 'human', the spotlight will always be on him even if the captain, the vice-captain or anyone else keep performing poorly. That's the hubris of being Virat Kohli - a player who has been compared to the God himself since he stepped foot in his senior career. As fans, what we need to realize is that these are the last few years of greatness. We must soak it all in but let's also give the man his own space in his life. Players are often perfect - but Kohli is one rare idol who is always trying to be a better role model for the next generation. And he doesn't owe the world a thing ( maybe just this World Cup? 🥺) .
Happy Birthday King! Keep shining always. ✨️
© Neo X Ray Kreates
