There has been a lot of talk about Virat Kohli’s diminishing form and especially his unusual ways of getting dismissed. Let aside the fact that he hasn’t scored a century in the last 3 years – which in itself is a debacle given his past record – the ex-Indian skipper has seemed to have lost his command over his batting. The expectations that he built for himself, in that brief 3-4 year phase after the 2015 ODI World Cup have perhaps been a reason to weigh him down in these recent times. So much so that the divide in opinions on whether he should be a part of the upcoming T20 World Cup squad is right there for the entire cricketing world to see. And inarguably so, as much as every ounce of me would want to advocate for Virat’s place in the WC squad, the Asia Cup scheduled to take place in the UAE this month might well be Virat’s last go at that coveted spot.
“It is just one decision that the selectors have to take and the rest of the team will select itself,” said Harshal Bhogle Live on Cricbuzz the other day. Not only do I believe it to be true, but I also wonder how significant it is to have Virat in the right shape and how important it is to give him the opportunity to flourish. Zimbabwe, for me, would have been the most ideal to start after the brief “break”; either Virat himself or the team management thought otherwise. In retrospect, maybe it’s okay and it gives Kohli some more time to introspect and work on his game and his mindset. His technique for the last few years has been a textbook spectacle for all of us to witness and is about time that the reminiscent memory of the Virat Kohli we know comes back to life.
It is not going to be an easy way ahead mind you. The Indian cricket team is evolving. Virat’s no longer the Indian captain in any formats, Ravi Shastri’s no longer the Indian Head Coach and the team’s approach, especially with respect to the T20s, is changing drastically. From being a team that would build an innings brick by brick, to being one that would fire in, short but effective packets of burst, the team, and each and everyone involved in the process have traveled a significant distance. The last couple of Indian T20I series has been a clear indication of the team’s modern lookout for the game and it will be important to see how Virat manages to fit in. Needless to say, he is still the team’s most experienced batter, still the best when it comes to numbers – even in these last 3 years of his misery, and still the most trusted in crunch situations.
As much as it is a test of Kohli’s character, it is a test of our fans as well. As fans, we found our happiness in these last few years and resided in stellar batting performances from the craftsman year after year. It is our duty to allow him at least half the time to get back to where he belongs. It’s as easy to succumb to external pressure as difficult as it is to keep one’s sanity in check. To carry the hopes of 1.4 billion people on your shoulders, to be responsible and/or respectful of their opinions, and still to be able to switch on/off instantly is a superpower that not all possess. We have all been witness to careers being both uplifted and looked upon due to sheer pressure. However, as yet, Virat looks to be in the right frame of mind and shape and has been vocal about trusting his process. He’s shown glimpses of his true self every now and then but hasn’t quite managed to be as significant. The fortune gods have been very harsh on him every passing day, and yet, the fight has been on. He hasn’t sought any sort of sympathy or obligation towards Indian cricket, but it is his past service that’s earned him these “extra” chances, and rightfully so. He’s fought his way out of the slump in the past (England 2014 being the only instance) and is about time he does it once again.
The emergence of Rohit Sharma as a leader and Rahul Dravid as a coach in the meanwhile also seems to be working out well for the tea, – from the outside. I am sure the two have had their share of discussions with Kohli and clarity/stability would’ve been attained. The upcoming Asia Cup is a litmus test for Virat, given the current T20 World Cup. I would still consider him going back to the domestic circuit and fighting his way back into the side for the rest of the tournaments in the coming years. At least 4-5 years of cricket left in him, it’ll be a pity if we don’t see him there till then.
As the RCB fan in me would say, “Hope binds you together and should never be let gone until the very last”. I believe the world is set to witness another Virat Kohli – in his prime.
Time holds answers.
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