Excellence and perfection – that’s the mantra India’s Test captain Virat Kohli has infused in the team. There’s little doubt they are looking like a champion outfit which is perched at the top of ICC’s Test rankings. As things stand, the Indian squad has responded magnificently to Kohli’s leadership over a period of two years in the Test arena. So what makes him special?
Thrives under pressure: Responsibility seems to bring out the best in Kohli both as batsman and leader. He has scored close to 2,500 runs in all formats in this calendar year. Significantly, most of his runs have come when India was in a spot of bother.
Never-say-die attitude: That nothing is impossible is what he has brought on to the table. This not only makes each of his runs special but has also infused confidence among his teammates. Ravi Ashwin, a key player in the Indian squad had summed it well, “You give Virat an impossible situation and it will get the best out of him. He will just say let me show you how to do it and will set himself to get it done.”
Modest: His modesty in placing the team first at all times makes him special. Not once will he talk of his double hundred in isolation. It was and is always about the team.
(Edited excerpts from an article by Boria Majumdar, sport expert)
Should he be India’s captain for all formats?
According to experts, the time is not far off when the senior selection committee will have to take the toughest call of their stint — whether MS Dhoni is still the right man to lead India in white-ball cricket or whether the man who can seemingly do no wrong, Virat Kohli, who is ready to take over in ODIs and T20Is too. Time and again, Kohli has enhanced his credentials as the man who should be in charge of the proceedings in ODIs, especially with the 50-over World Cup in England about two-and-a-half years away
Is Kohli the next Sachin?
Yes. Kohli possesses some great talent. The way he led the team to victory in the 4th Test against England was commendable. Kohli has all the capabilities to become the next Tendulkar.
Ravi Sangoi, class IX, New Horizon Public School, Airoli
Kohli is in form and is simply rocking on the field. His performance against Australia, England and Bangladesh is commendable. But it would be unfair to consider Kohli as the next “Sachin”. The Master Blaster was born with talent, but Kohli has developed his skills.
Nihal Jani, class IX, Sakar School, Ahmedabad
Tendulkar, the God of cricket, as he is better known, is a legend himself. Kohli is another legend in the making. It is completely wrong to compare them. Kohli’s aggression, batting technique, athletics on-field are very different from that of the Master Blaster.
Neha Vasist, class X, National Hill View Public School, Bengaluru
Kohli can be the next Tendulkar if we consider only his skills. However, unlike Tendulkar he loses his temper. As a team leader it’s not done!
Srijita Chakraborty, class IX, BDMI, Kolkata