Virat Kohli, the most complete batsman in modern era

The beaming sunshine that lit up the Dharamsala afternoon after a typically cloudy morning on Sunday, was sort of symbolic for India's talisman Virat Kohli.

It was 14-15 months ago that his career looked in doldrums. Post-lean patch and an explosive press conference about his abrupt removal from ODI captaincy had seen thousands call out his defensive tactics and inveigh against his ‘unjust' selection in the playing XI.

Cricket loyalists had high expectations, habituated to the free-spirited, aggressive brand of cricket which Kohli was best known for. And so the debate raged: why can't we see beyond Kohli and give youngsters a chance? And yet, a feeling of uncanny optimism pervaded the Indian camp each time he walked out to bat.

Months later, the 34-year-old, who has lived most of his life in the public eye, slowly but surely picked up the pieces of what seemed to be a dismantled career back then. His coruscating 61-ball 122 against the Afghans in the Super Four stage of Asia Cup 2022 was a reminder that his once flamboyant, authoritative version was back.

Looking relieved, and feeling like he had a massive load off his shoulders, Kohli hoped this knock would spark a new beginning. And it did, in every manner. He had come into the game having not scored a century in international cricket for 1020 days. He was given a lifeline by the board despite poor form, had captain Rohit Sharma's backing all along the way, so expectations were naturally high, and he delivered with a brisk century.

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"In my case, denial, frustration was creeping in. I was very cranky, very snappy in my space. It was not fair on Anushka, my close ones, it's not fair on the people who support you. So I had to take responsibility and kind of put things in perspective. I was far off from my cricket. My attachments, my desire, had taken over. That's when I realised that I can't be away from who I am. I have to be true to myself. Even when I am vulnerable, I am not playing well, I am the worst player around, and I have to accept it. I can't be in denial," Kohli told teammate Suryakumar Yadav in an interview for BCCI TV.

"I am not finding any self-worth or value in what I do on the field. I'm way past that phase. This is a phase of evolution for me. Not to say I don't have the same drive, my drive will never let me down. The day my drive goes away, I'll not be playing this game." Those close to him knew that Kohli's battle with himself had been more mental than physical or technical. There is absolutely no magic formula to rediscovering form or the winning habit, but what's guaranteed is that better times will return when confidence is on an upward curve.

He later wrapped things up as the second-highest run-getter in the Asia Cup 2022, with 276 runs from six matches at a telling strike rate of 147.59, including 122 against Afghanistan and a brace of fifties against Hong Kong and Pakistan respectively. Staying true to the prophecy as the next Sachin Tendulkar-like ‘godly figure' in cricket, the talented Delhiite continues to rule the batting charts with staggering numbers to his name.

Kohli's resurgence continued over the months, with his prolific run of centuries against diverse bowling attacks underscoring his unrivalled consistency with the willow.

On Sunday, Kohli, noticeably battle-worn, smacked a brutal 95 to lead India to a four-wicket victory over New Zealand and a fifth win in five matches at the ongoing World Cup although he just missed equaling Tendulkar's record of 49 one-day international centuries.

India, defeated by New Zealand in the semi-final of the 2019 edition, put an end to a 20-year wait for a win against the Kiwis in an ICC event after they last beat them in the 2003 World Cup. An in-form Kohli, who shone with an unbeaten 103 in the previous triumph over Bangladesh, put on key partnerships including a 78-run stand with Ravindra Jadeja, who hit the winning four in his unbeaten 39. "He (Kohli) has done this for us for so many years. He backed himself to do the job," Rohit said of the star batsman after the win.

In about 31 World Cup innings, Kohli has amassed 1,384 runs at an average of 55.36. He has smacked three centuries and nine fifties in 31 matches, with the best score of 107. He is the fourth-highest run-scorer in tournament history and India's second-highest.

In the ICC Champions Trophy, Kohli has 529 runs under his belt from 13 matches at an average of 88.16, with five fifties in 12 innings. He is the 11th highest-scorer in tournament history and India's fourth. In 27 T20 World Cup matches, he has amassed 1,141 runs at an average of 81.50, with 14 fifties in 25 innings and a best score of an unbeaten 89. He is the highest run-scorer in the tournament's history. Overall, in 71 ICC white-ball event games, Kohli has scored 3,054 runs at a striking average of 67.86, including three centuries and 28 fifties.

Overcoming obstacles and hardship is always best addressed through mental resilience and hard work, as there are fewer shortcuts in reality. None knows this better than Kohli himself. It's his determination to succeed that has been at the core of his remarkable success time and again.

Kohli has successfully met every challenge in the last few years or so, including moving up and down the batting order, assuming the responsibility of always being India's prized wicket, becoming an accomplished batsman across all three formats, and relishing his sudden burden as an on-field adviser to skipper Rohit. Like a wise old man once said, "It comes and it goes, and hides in strange places, but class will always rise to the surface."