SUBLIME TOUCH
   Date :14-Oct-2019

 
THERE is no denying that Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli is in a sublime touch. His seventh double century of his career has a stamp of a genius which Indian fans and the cricket lovers were used to seeing during the hey days of Sachin Tendulkar. Virendra Sehwag, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman. His seventh double century in the second Test in Pune against the South African team, which enabled India to post a massive target to the visitors, was a huge effort spread over eight long hours, in hot and humid conditions, testing the players’ abilities to withstanding adversities and yet post a memorable performance. Virat Kohli has said that the responsibility of leading the team helps him to compile big scores. Ever since he took over as the captain he has proved this statement by his superlative performances with great consistency. While Virat Kohli may be reveling in his leadership role, not bogged down by its responsibility or consider it as a burden, it is team’s cause that peps him up to perform to his fullest capacity. On Friday and Saturday, while compiling his double century Virat was in his sublime elements.
 
The manner in which he upped the momentum at the fag end of the innings it was clear that he was preparing to post a target that his team may not be required to bat again in the second innings and also it should be so daunting that the South Africans would easily buckle under the massive challenge. And that is exactly what happened subsequently when the South Africans came to bat. Except for the tailenders, who put up a brave fight and delayed the inevitable for some hours, the rest of the top was blow away by the Indian bowlers.
 
Virat batted like a pivot around whom other batsmen too flourished with most of the top order batsmen giving good account of themselves. Ajinkya Rajane, the vice captain, has very rightly said that his on-field aggression helps Virat Kohli to perform better. Virat’s fitness level is an envy of every member of the team and that rubs on everybody. That is also seen in the manner in which the Indian players are giving out their best in every manner, including their top class fielding. As Rahane has said Virat’s fitness is reflected across all the three formats of the game.
 
When Virat is on the field there is hardly a dull moment. That makes him the most sought after and most commented on player in international cricket. In this vein Virat Kohli appears to be on course to erasing all past records set by cricketing greats. Already he is on record-breaking spree with his seventh double century being itself a record, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar and Virendra Sehwag. Cricket fans the world over may be witness to some great exploits from Virat.