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| Virat Kohli |
Virat Kohli is in a class of his own. He is unparalleled in the world of limited overs cricket at the moment. Virat's 81 not out made sure that India qualified for the World T20 semi final. The way he thrives under pressure, even ABD falls short of him.
I have been a big admirer of Kohli since the time he debuted for India. He was always key in India's success over some of the biggest ICC tournaments. Take the 2011 world Cup final for example, If it weren't for the partnership between Gambhir and Kohli India would have ended up in a lot of pressure.
Love the way Virat composes his game, he starts slow, builds up his innings steady and at the right moment he shifts to fifth gear. India's chase was going no where till the 17th over as India still needed 39 of 3 overs to cross the line. Virat decided to take on James Faulkner who is a very cunning bowler with his slow cutters. India took 19 runs of the over thanks to Virat's sudden boost of adrenaline. India now needed 20 from 12 balls, This 19th over was classy as Virat punished Coulter-Nile with 4 fours. The Australian fielders were mere spectators and could only stand and watch in admiration.
The sweetest thing about the win against Australia was that it came exactly an year after Australia mercilessly beat India at the World Cup semi final in Australia, where Virat couldn't step up his game. He scored a mediocre 1 run from 13 balls, which considering Virat standards were quite low. A lot of criticism came through and this was one sweet revenge. It always gives me a sadistic pleasure seeing Australia beaten.
I might be going overboard here but I have to say this, Virat Kohli is the greatest limited overs cricketer from India. He has proved time and again that he is a champion, because playing and excelling under pressure is a different ball game altogether. Nothing short of legend. Respect.
