Virat Kohli stands as the epitome of a flawless run producer, shaped by an unwavering commitment and personal sacrifices. Can anyone else measure up to his standard?
Yesterday's remarkable innings by Virat Kohli deserves special mention, surpassing the batting prowess of legends like Sachin Tendulkar, AB de Villiers, and Viv Richards. As Kohli secured his century with a two-run moment, the crowd erupted in homage, even drawing admiration from Tendulkar and Richards, the latter observing from the media center. Kohli's wristy power on the leg side and a spectacular six off Tim Southee showcased a level of skill that leaves even top-tier bowlers helpless, reminiscent of Richards' own masterful strokes in 1984.
The celebratory scene unfolded as Kohli leapt, punched the air, and then gracefully knelt to remove his helmet and gloves. Rising to his feet, he raised his arms in acknowledgment, akin to a deity awakening to the morning sun, receiving applause from family, friends, and the packed audience. Notably, David Beckham, not traditionally associated with cricket, joined in the enthusiastic applause, highlighting the universal appeal of the sport.
Reflecting on Kohli's recent achievement of his 49th ODI century, equalling Tendulkar's record but achieved in significantly fewer innings, the milestone was celebrated at Eden Gardens with overwhelming excitement. The timing of Kohli's accomplishments, often described as scripting his own success, adds another layer to his sporting legacy, making him a truly exceptional player.
Yesterday, Virat Kohli surpassed Tendulkar's record, claiming the pinnacle with an astounding "Fifty one-day international hundreds!" as exclaimed by Harsha Bhogle on air. This remarkable feat distinguishes him in a sport that evolved from English county cricket in the 1960s and gained prominence under Kerry Packer's commercial influence in the late 1970s. One-day cricket, evolving from 65 to 50 overs per side, remains a staple, occasionally overshadowed by T20 but rejuvenated by World Cups, revealing its enduring allure to those who delve into its depths.
Critics have labeled Kohli as selfish, a characteristic inherent in the pursuit of individual success in runs and wickets. However, the essence lies in channeling this self-focus to benefit the team, a skill Kohli masterfully exemplifies. Recent comments questioning his approach, likely fueled by historical bias or envy, pointed to instances in this tournament where Kohli strategically manipulated the strike for personal gain, notably in Pune against Bangladesh and Dharamsala against New Zealand.
In Pune, a captivating partnership unfolded as KL Rahul played a supporting role, ensuring Kohli took the lead in scoring, creating an entertaining spectacle that resonated with the crowd. The synergy between the two showcased cricket as a source of entertainment, culminating in Kohli's emphatic six to secure victory and his century. The narrative shifted against New Zealand, where Kohli's attempt to control the game led to a catch in the deep at 95. Despite a tighter situation, the match reinforced the delicate balance between individual brilliance and team dynamics in the eyes of the cricketing gods.
Richie Benaud's counsel was clear: "Be there at the end." While 11 players make up the team, someone must shoulder the responsibility. Despite critics labeling it as selfish, consistently being there at the end and securing victories ultimately elevates a player to greatness in the eyes of the game.
Before the Pune match, I shared a ride to the ground with Dinesh Karthik. On the streets, countless fans were purchasing India team shirts, with around 80% proudly displaying "Virat" on their backs, and the rest opting for "Rohit." True greats often become known by either their nickname or given name, exemplified in golf by figures like Jack, Seve, Ernie, and Tiger, and in cricket by legends such as Viv, Sachin, Brian, MS, AB, Warnie, and now, Virat. In the realm of mass media, the name "Kohli" is seldom heard on the streets of India; it's all about Virat.
I vividly recall a moment with Ian Healy as we waited to interview players after a match. Watching Virat seal a one-dayer with back-to-back boundaries, I inquired about his opinion. Healy asserted, "I think he's the best player I've ever seen, or will be if he goes on like this." This praise came from someone who had previously lauded Tendulkar. Healy's response? "Yeah… but now I've seen Kohli."
Tendulkar, a personal favorite alongside Barry Richards, exhibited technical prowess akin to David challenging countless Goliaths. His magical impact on the field, piercing through field settings and frustrating bowlers, remains etched in memory. I recall the Perth match in 1991, where Merv Hughes stood astonished as Sachin, with near-perfect technique, dominated. Sachin adapted seamlessly to the shorter formats, becoming a force to be reckoned with.
Following closely behind was Viv, who effortlessly made an impact. In the 60-over game, navigating full-size boundaries and lenient umpire rulings on wide bowling, Viv averaged 47 with a strike rate of 90. His defining one-day innings at Old Trafford, rescuing West Indies from 102 for 7 and finishing unbeaten on 189, stands as a testament to his prowess, securing a substantial victory alongside Michael Holding.
Unique feats like that are reserved for individuals like Glenn Maxwell.
Over the years, numerous exceptional one-day batsmen have dominated the game, sparking comparisons to legends like Viv. However, attempting such parallels seems futile, given the substantial evolution of cricket across different eras. In the early days of one-day cricket, maintaining a run rate of three an over throughout the innings was the norm, with anything above four an over considered substantial. The introduction of shorter boundaries and improved bats marked a significant shift. The advent of T20 further revolutionized the game, catching bowlers off guard with unprecedented strokeplay. Subsequent changes, including the use of two new balls and tightened field restrictions, provided batsmen with an expansive canvas.
Our role is to describe the present. De Villiers exhibited unparalleled flair, Brian Lara showcased the cruelest cut, Chris Gayle wielded unmatched power (though challenged closely by Matthew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist). Javed Miandad added impishness, Virender Sehwag brought swashbuckling style, Kumar Sangakkara calculated meticulously, and Ricky Ponting executed ruthlessly. Rohit Sharma, after a learning curve, mastered the art, embodying the epitome of batting excellence.
However, even Rohit falls short of achieving the job with the finesse that Virat displays. This sentiment is evident in the popularity of Virat's name on shirts, resonating with the people's recognition. Virat isn't a national hero by chance; his consistency, professionalism, vibrant personality, and commercial appeal all contribute to his standing. The people acknowledge that he is a game-changer for India – a undeniable fact that holds immense value, akin to a valuable stock with a high share price, all bundled into one.
Let's get straight to the point, as Virat often does in the chase where he excels. Perhaps he imbibed the art of seeing it through from MS, the master. Virat not only bats against the target but also against time. If he's at the crease, the opposition faces a formidable challenge, a fact Virat himself understands better than anyone. Remarkably, 27 of his 50 centuries have come while chasing – a truly impressive statistic. To put it in perspective, Sachin, the next in line, achieved 17 centuries, but Virat accomplished this feat in just 279 innings compared to Sachin's 452. The numbers speak for themselves. Batting second, Virat boasts an average of 65.4, with AB coming next, trailing by about nine runs, and the underrated Michael Bevan not far behind, keeping the pressure on.
If you chase like these individuals, you must have nerves of steel – a sentiment echoed by anyone who's been in the game. The real test of clarity, unwavering determination, and true self-belief emerges in the chase. Richie Benaud's advice to "be there at the end" emphasizes the responsibility that few cricketers can truly shoulder. Despite being part of an eleven-player team, taking on that responsibility is a feat beyond many. Critics may label it as selfishness until consistent success turns you into a hero for your country, and the game immortalizes you as a great.
Virat excels at home with an average of 60.9 and maintains his prowess away from home, even in Sri Lanka, where his average is a commendable 48.9. Surpassing Sachin, he still has more to achieve. Imagining Virat in another World Cup, with his characteristic in-your-face approach, is not a stretch. The competition won't catch up with him; he stands alone. The amalgamation of obsession and sacrifice is the driving force behind his achievements.
So, when pondering who the greatest ODI batter is, it boils down to two individuals – the ones who dominated their respective eras. Both possess(ed) V Power: Viv and Virat. Take your pick. Yesterday, India collectively voted for Virat, signaling a considerable lead that even someone like Viv might find challenging to overcome.
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