Taking batsmanship beyond boundaries
Virat Kohli has transcended limits hitherto considered insurmountable.
Published : Jan 22, 2019 21:21 IST
His quest for cricketing perfection has pushed the benchmark for batsmanship. For Virat Kohli, batting is unfettered demonstration of art which has no boundaries. Not just in the longer format but the shortest too. The recognition from the International Cricket Council (ICC) is a unique feather in his already-crowded hat.
READ | Kohli sweeps ICC’s annual awards Kohli has transcended limits hitherto considered insurmountable. Centuries embellish his batting craft in all forms. There is no component in his batting that can be termed weak. His gait to the crease – a brisk and confident march – creates an imposing pressure on the fielding side. Kohli gets into his stride at a frightening pace as bowlers, more often than not, bow to his command. For Kohli, the only incentive when he holds the bat is contributing to a winning cause. The impetus is to dominate, to deny the opponents a semblance of a chance. That comes from his strength of character to succeed. His hunger for runs is insatiable as he lends a fresh and natural touch to his batting – playing the ball on merit. Many times playing it on his terms and leaving the bowler with little choice. It is not that opponents don't analyse Kohli's acts at the crease. It is just that they can't find a solution to dent his consistency. He has revolutionised batting with his ability to excel on all surfaces. Figures seldom reflect Kohli's mastery in the middle. You have to watch it to relish it. It is not that Kohli deals with the situation differently in Tests, limited overs and T20. He only sets different barometers – constructive and constantly innovative.
READ | Dravid: It is not that players did not make mistakes in the past How often, and how comfortably, he wades into the bowling instantly on his arrival at the crease. His endurance is exemplary because he learns from errors and builds on the reprieves. His cricket is a demonstration of artistic splendor, a style constantly evolving, inspiring a generation to emulate him. If he is magnificence personified at the crease, Kohli has earned every bit. The cricketing world can rejoice in his majestic vocation of eternal poise.