The heap of praise over Virat Kohli after the sublime innings he played in Mohali on Sunday, is yet to subside. The match against Oz was in a way quarter final for India. Defeat was to eliminate them from the ICC T-20 World Cup 2016. But Virat Kohli was the Rock of Gibraltar for millions of Indian supporters and ensured Indian victory. The happy faces celebrating his herculean task will always be a cherished memory. But this innings should always be remembered for the classical element attached to it, than anything else. There was not even a single cross batted shot or a modern day, typical slog hitting thanks to T-20 and yet Virat guided us to victory which was looking very difficult at one point. Virat storm arrived in Mohali from nowhere. He was going along with Yuvraj Singh at a modest pace. Even after Yuvi’s departure he was happy running 2’s in place of 1 with captain MS Dhoni. All of a sudden he shifted the accelerator from over number 17. At that point of time India needed 39 from last 3 overs. On the first ball of 17th over he hit a boundary followed it next ball and the third ball was sent over the ropes. Next ball he ran a double and then a leg bye. In all 16 runs from his blade. Next over he got the strike on the second ball. Then his scoring was 4, 4, 4, 0, 4. So Virat blasted 30 runs in just 9 balls and the match was over before the Oz’s realized it as India crossed the line with 5 balls to spare. Virat’s strike rate being 160.78.
Was it the best power hitting ever seen? No! When Yuvraj Singh blasted 6 sixes in an over and made 58 of 16 balls, his strike rat was a whooping 362.50. Later on in the Big Bash League Gayle equalled this record scoring 56 of 17. His strike rate was 329.41. In comparison of these strike rates, Virat’s 160.78 looks modest then.
What make Virat Kohli’s innings special then? It becomes special on two counts. One, his boundary hitting capacity and second, no nonsense, copy book cricketing shots.
Even before the T-20 World Cup started Virat has said he can’t hit big sixes like other guys. So he has tailored his games in such a way that he keeps his strike rate up by hitting boundaries. He just executed that to perfection in the match against Oz’s. For that matter 9 ball 30 runs also take Virat’s strike rate above 300. But he reached that strike rate without any fancy shots. Gideon Haigh of ‘The Australian’ newspaper wrote, Not a stroke, by the way, would have looked out of place in a Test match.’’
Ian Chappell felt Virat could do what he did because of the wrist play. He said, “I have seen wristy players like Azharuddin, VVS (Laxman) or had the pleasure or pain of playing against Zaheer Abbas. Zaheer had rubber wrists but Virat does it with power. He hits the ball hard with that wrist-work.’’
Having talent is one thing and showcasing it at the right time and right place is another. Virat has already established that he is a player of bigger stage. After the match against Oz’s he was very emotional and described this knock as his best.
Apart from the emotions, the master may have felt so because of the classical approach he had while playing it. Only time will tell whether Team India’s lucky ground, turns a happy hunting 22-yard for Virat, when he steps out to face the Gayle powered West Indies in the semis.
MS Dhoni :“When you are calm it helps you take the right decision. It is a good quality to be calm but at the same time, he will always be an aggressive cricketer ready to take on challenges.
That is what I think is great. He is heading in the right direction and he should not lose his own character (aggression), that is what his strength is. He is batting amazingly well. He is fit, he he can field anywhere and at same time he runs hard.”
Steven Smith :“It just took anunbelievable innings under pressure by Virat Kohli to get his team over the line. It looked whatever Virat did at that point would go to the boundary. It was a serious innings. Hats off.”
Daily Telegraph : “Sunday night was all about Kohli, an already world-class and revered batsman in India who, emerging as a successor to Sachin Tendulkar in the hearts and minds of Indian fans, added another chapter to his growing legend. His status as one of the great chasers was also enhanced.”
Sunil Gavaskar : “At the moment he is got to be the best limited-overs batsman in the world. There is no question about it.There is not the slightest doubt about it because he is beyond phenomenal. He is something else.”
Ian Chappel : “Of modern players, Brian Lara, I thought was the best placer of the ball.I think I have got Brian in the second spot now”
