Category: Cricket

‘The wait is over, relief at last…’ Virat Kohli ends Test ton drought

At last, the wait has come to its end,
Like a journey that finally reaches its bend.
The moments we spent in anticipation,
Now fade away like a distant sensation.

Oh, the patience that we’ve had to endure,
Like a flame that stayed bright and pure.
The hope that kept our spirits high,
Now blossoms like flowers in the sky.

Over the last three years, watching Virat Kohli bat in India has been a powerful reminder of the true nature of sports. It’s fascinating how even the most skilled and experienced players can be humbled by the game, forcing them to relearn and refine their techniques. Kohli’s struggles with batting in India and his recent performances in Bangladesh Tests demonstrate this fact quite well.

The absence of first-class cricket can also have a significant impact on a player’s performance, and Kohli’s experience is a prime example. Without the opportunity to play domestic matches, he had to adapt and learn on the go, experimenting with different techniques to find a method that worked well for him against spin.

Despite being an uber-confident batter, Kohli had to deal with several challenges and setbacks during this period, which may have been difficult for him to navigate without the support of domestic cricket. Overall, it’s a testament to his resilience and determination that he was able to overcome these obstacles and regain his form, culminating in his recent century in the India-Australia Test match.

The wait that seemed forever and a day,
Now seems like a memory that’s far away.
The joy that fills our hearts with delight,
Now shines like stars in the night.

And so, we savor this moment of release,
Like a bird that’s finally found its peace.
The wait has come to an end, my friend,
And a new chapter is about to begin.

Virat Kohli’s century in Ahmedabad was a moment of pure joy for his fans and the crowd, who cheered him on as he completed his hundred.

Despite the challenges he faced in recent years, Kohli managed to find his form and produce a masterful innings. However, what stood out most about his century wasn’t the way he compiled his runs, but the subdued celebration that followed.

There was a noticeable absence of adrenaline in Kohli’s celebration, which was in stark contrast to his usually passionate and animated displays.

Instead, he calmly completed the run and raised his bat, before slowly removing his helmet and reaching inside his shirt to pull out his wedding ring, which was dangling on a necklace. He planted a kiss on the ring and acknowledged the crowd, displaying a sense of serenity and contentment that reflected his hard-earned success.

Overall, Kohli’s muted celebration was a poignant reminder of the mental and emotional toll that elite-level sports can take on a player. Despite the pressures and challenges, Kohli managed to rise to the occasion and produce a truly memorable performance that will be remembered for years to come.

The wait is over, relief at last,
A weight lifted, a burden passed.
A sigh of relief, a breath so deep,
A joyous feeling!

After enduring a period of three-and-a-half years of slump, gradually increasing disapproval, and a mental battle to come to terms with his loss of status, he briefly lost interest in the game and even fell out of love with it.

However, he eventually accepted his situation, which resulted in a shift from a hostile attitude to a more positive one. He had to adapt, but soon he started to score runs again. Initially, it was in the limited-overs format, but now he is finally scoring runs in the longer format of the game as well.

Lately, there has been a slight indication of destitution. The main concern has been to stay afloat. However, during the ongoing series against Australia, his fortunes have started to change. Although his runs might not reflect it, Kohli has discovered the technique.

The relief that comes with the end of the wait,
Is like a fresh breeze on a hot summer day.
It’s a feeling of calmness, of peace and of joy,
A moment to savor, a moment to enjoy.

And so we revel in this moment of relief,
A time to celebrate, a time to believe.
For the wait is over, the future is bright,
And we can finally bask in its beautiful light.

‘Stretch this patch and stay here for long,’ aspires Suryakumar Yadav

I remember speaking to Suryakumar Yadav before the 2019 World Cup, and I quote what he said back then: “Everyone wants to play for India if you are playing this sport, but you need to be realistic. My aim is to play for India, but I don’t think about it every time as it puts double pressure on me. I try to stay in the present and enjoy the sport more. If it has to come, it will come.”

Three years later, he stands tall as the men’s No. 1 T20I batter. Since making his India debut, Suryakumar Yadav has emerged as a revelation, securing his spot in the T20I team, and rising to the top of the ICC Men’s T20I batting rankings.

The late-blooming batter has all the shots at his disposal and even a few extra ones, but it’s not just his stroke play that sets him apart as a player; it’s also his remarkable consistency when it comes to scoring runs.

Anyone who has seen him bat at least once will agree that his variety of strokes and batting style are what make him unique. But throughout his T20I career, his consistency, and the frequency with which he recorded match-winning knocks have been impressive.

In an exclusive interview, he said, “The journey has been amazing. It’s been a roller-coaster ride, but I’ve always dreamt of being here, playing for India, and winning games for India. It has been a long journey to reach where I am, and I am really enjoying that right now.”

Suryakumar Yadav was announced as India’s vice-captain for the T20I series against Sri Lanka, which gets underway on January 3 in Mumbai. The 32-year-old has had an incredible year, and the vice-captaincy announcement is undoubtedly the cherry on top.

On asking him what his reaction was when he got to know that he had been announced as the vice-captain, he said, “I actually pinched myself because it is a dream to become the vice-captain of the Indian team. It is a great responsibility, and it was my family who gave me this news. I wasn’t aware of it. It indeed is a great feeling.”

This year ‘SKY’ a name he is referred to by his supporters, scored an astounding 1164 runs at a staggering average of 46.56 in just 31 T20Is.

Many anticipated that Suryakumar Yadav would be one of India’s brightest stars at the T20 World Cup. Since his debut, he had consistently done so in every T20I match that India had played. Even when compared to some of the greatest athletes to ever grace the sport, his stats stand out.

But that idea was severely put to the test when India was shocked early in the power play. For those who don’t know, Suryakumar had never played a T20 International in Australia before the T20 World Cup. And here he was, arguably batting on the world’s fastest pitch and up against one of the most aggressive fast-bowling teams.

He has also been nominated for the ICC T20I cricketer of the year award. Describing what 2022 was like for him, he says, “It has been a good year, but at the same time, you will have to see what I have done in the last eight to ten years. I have been working hard to come here and would really like to stretch this patch and stay here for a really long time.”

Following a 10-wicket loss to England in the T20 World Cup semi-final, Team India’s T20 World Cup 2022 exit revealed their weaknesses.

Many former cricketers called for changes in India’s T20 squad. That could hint at transitioning players and a process India will have to go through soon.

Considering Suryakumar is now a senior member, he will play a pivotal role in his transition.

“Not thinking about it too much. Just stay in the same space and zone I’m in right now, enjoy what I’m doing, follow those processes and routines, and the results will take care of themselves,” he said.

On asking him who is that one bowler in white-ball cricket against whom scoring runs is tough, he said, “I have always enjoyed playing against Rashid Khan. He is one of the best bowlers I have faced in the world right now.”

Many cricketers prefer to take a break when they are not playing international cricket, but here was Suryakumar Yadav, who turned up for two Ranji matches ahead of the international season.

The right-handed batter has the experience of 79 first-class matches, scoring 5549 runs at an average of 44.75. He recently played fantastic innings of 90 against Hyderabad and scored 95 in the first innings against Saurashtra for Mumbai in a Ranji Trophy match.

“It is all about mindset. There is no big thing in shifting mindset for a T20I, ODI, or a four-day game. Because when you start playing cricket, you first come into first-class cricket, and then you go on to play for India. So, it isn’t something new, and this is the place where I started playing cricket, and I have gone on to play for India. So, if I am available and free anytime, I must turn back to my state,” he said.

A packed schedule lies ahead of Team India starting from January 3 and considering it’s the year India will be playing the World Cup at home it is very important to stay fit and prepare for the upcoming season.

“Spend a lot of time with my family. Stay mentally fresh as much as possible, and whenever the tournament arises, turn up for it,” said Suryakumar Yadav on asking how he is planning to prep up.

He made his debut in March 2021 to great anticipation. Given how he had ignited the domestic stage and the IPL, his international debut appeared to be delayed. But as soon as he walked onto the field, he batted like he owned the place.

He performed as though he was destined to bat at the top level in T20I matches. That tale has only gotten stronger with each passing game.

He is special; he is one of a kind, and considering he has not even completed two years as an international cricketer, anyone could only hope he stays here for long and keeps ruling this beautiful sport because clearly, ‘SKY’ is not the limit for Suryakumar Yadav.

King Kohli! Cometh the hour, cometh the man

There is no other fixture like it in the world of cricket. Even four hours before kickoff, the atmosphere around the MCG was enchantingly boisterous and happy, with streams of fans flooding in from Melbourne’s city center and various other parts of the world.

The atmosphere at the Melbourne Cricket Ground was different from the start of the game on Sunday. Something beyond explanation. People sang the national anthem at the top of their lungs, filled with pride.

When the floodlights were turned off for a few minutes during the innings break and the entire crowd turned on their cell phone lights, the MCG looked gorgeous at night, but there was something that stole the beauty, and rightly so.

When KL Rahul was dismissed, Virat Kohli came to the crease at 7/1. He was present as Rohit Sharma snuck away, bringing back memories of last year’s tragic first-up loss to Pakistan.

He was also present as India fell to 4-31 watching everything almost go haywire until he decided to turn the tables over.

After India had fallen to 4-31, Kohli led India to the most incredible victory and one of the greatest T20 World Cup results ever.

With India needing 160 runs to win, Kohli and Hardik Pandya put on a 113-run stand that propelled India from nowhere to a four-wicket win.

Despite needing 12 runs per over for the final 10 overs and 16 runs per over for the final three, Kohli found the boundaries (six 4’s, four 6’s) at all the appropriate times to propel his side to victory in an instant classic.

India required 28 runs from the final eight deliveries and Haris Rauf still had two deliveries to finish his spell.

Despite appearing to lose his balance in the shot, Kohli delivered an incredible straight six with the first, belting a back-of-the-length slower ball over long-on.

Thousands of them cheering and thousands taking a bow in the exhilarating atmosphere of the ‘Big G’ revealed just one tale – Virat Kohli’s rise to the status of cricketing demigod.

He backed that with a flipped six over backward square leg, which elicited a loud roar from the packed stadium as they realized they were experiencing something exceptional.

He only scored 15 runs in his first 24 balls before exploding in the second half of his inning, smashing 67 runs in his final 29 balls.

When Ashwin smashed the winning runs, the champion bowed down to the ground and brought the stadium to its feet.

Kohli played an innings to remember, smashing 82 off 53 balls and combining 113 for the fifth wicket with Hardik Pandya, and India won by four wickets, but these are just stats.

This was a remarkable game and an incredible night, as much about the noise that swirled around this gigantic arena and the participation of all 90,293 spectators in a recurring role.

As an emotional Kohli greeted his startled teammates, the MCG exploded in wild cheers, with innumerable Indian flags floating over a sea of blue.

Chants of “Kohli…Kohli” rang out around the legendary venue as the 33-year-old walked off the field after what was perhaps his best performance in international T20I cricket.

“It’s not a great feeling to wake up knowing that you won’t be able to score runs… I felt I was the loneliest guy in the world,” Virat Kohli said on a podcast with English commentator Mark Nicholas in February 2022.

Then he goes on to play a match in which he picks up the gloves, walks down to the middle, and exorcises his inner demon. He screams and sobs as his team conquers. Those tears may hold all the days of mental burden and cruel voices in his head that tell you every day, ‘your best days are now over.’

He emerges as champion on the canvas of the cricket field. The struggles, pain and beauty are what make the sport humane.

Not a single person left the stadium amid knowing it would be the last train to go back home. A huge number of cricket fans had given up on Kohli. But he came back with renewed gusto during the Asia Cup, and today’s knock serves as a gentle reminder that form is fleeting and class is eternal.

“From the situation we were in, to come out with victory it has to be not just his best knock, but one of India’s best knocks,” Rohit said.

None of them could have been more remarkable.

Virat Kohli: An enigma who transforms himself into a celestial being

A cricket format where the word “roller-coaster” is frequently used in the commentary box. There are more twists and turns in this fast-paced genre than in a thriller movie.

T20 cricket has developed significantly since it was first played in England in 2003, and in those 19 years, it has witnessed some outstanding performances by some of the sport’s top players, both nationally and internationally. Virat Kohli has already scored a staggering number of half-centuries in T20 international matches (32 and counting).

Virat Kohli finally reached his 71st international century on Thursday, September 8 in Dubai, after two years, nine months, and sixteen days. In the 2022 Asia Cup match against Afghanistan, he finally ended his drought.

Many wondered how long the century drought lingered. The answer is 1,021.

A time frame that was cut short by a replete pandemic, which had led Virat Kohli and many others down gloomy lanes of lockdowns, and bio-bubbles.

Crafting an innings that will last in the mind in the fleeting realm of T20 cricket can be more difficult than conserving a piece of coastal art. Greatness is a word not easily associated with this nascent format, but this knock, this century will go down the annals of history.

After 52 balls of pure brilliance, including classic flick strokes, down-the-ground lofted smacks, and step-down-the-crease sixes against bowlers like Rashid Khan, Kohli hammered his 53rd ball for a huge six over mid-wicket to reach three figures, his first in a T20I.

As soon as he approached 80, the jaw clenching increased. Kohli didn’t exhibit any signs of worry. He was batting in the final overs, which is when he is typically most detrimental. He simply continued to pursue the bowlers, reaching 100 with a flat pull over midwicket for a six. On a random Thursday night the the wait was finally over.

He simply took off his helmet, held up his bat, and beamed. Not the towering jump of the yesteryears, and not the swearing after getting there. Just an ecstatic smile that possessed a lot of relief. This was fun-loving Kohli. Unconstrained by preconceptions, this was Kohli. You could not wipe the sparkling smile off his face.

Nothing else was important at that time. Not the outcome for India, and not even their early elimination from the Asia Cup. For a change, not many were interested in looking at scores or overs remaining. It was all about one man that night, and it was Virat Kohli.

Once he had emerged, things resumed as usual. There was no lowering of guard or nasty slogs. He intended to continue. It appeared as though Kohli had travelled back in time to his 2016 vintage.

With 276 runs scored in five games, Virat Kohli outscored Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan to become the tournament’s top run-scorer. Kohli’s innings continued to be all about smashing the bowlers to all parts of the park.

The 33-year-old Kohli has a distinguished career that includes 27 Test and 43 ODI centuries. In his impressive performance, Kohli hammered 12 fours and six sixes. At present, he is the Indian player with the highest T20I score.

Numerous players from various eras have played the sport of cricket. Since the start, there have been several superstars. How would you characterise Virat Kohli as a cricketer? A mystique, a fiery captain, a vicious fielder, a mind-boggling batter, and perhaps the best chaser in the history of cricket.

One can link Kohli with a variety of traits, including tenacity, grit, optimism, boldness, aggression, self-belief, confidence, enthusiasm, and the list goes on and on. But Kohli’s class and will to improve are what distinguish him from all other cricketers.

Virat Kohli is an exceptionally skilled player with unfathomable levels of passion and ferocity. The variety of people who served as his inspiration for his levels of fitness is enormous. This range includes not only the troops he rallied but also cricketers from all over the world.

When he comes out and works his magic, breaking and setting records, they no longer come as a surprise since he has so casually raised the bar for batting and record-breaking.

It is mathematically similar to someone running the 100 meters in 7.58 seconds, which is two seconds slower than Usain Bolt’s all-time heroic time. This statistic could explain his recent success in joining the 24,000 international runs club in a record 522 innings.

Nothing, literally nothing, can justify the wholesomeness and the relief that Virat Kohli had on his face. There is nothing to glorify from tonight but everything to smile upon.

Virat Kohli just goes about accumulating his runs in his own way, which has enabled him to enter this trance-like state, this batting paradise. One would only hope this form of Virat Kohli continues for as long as he continues to play this beautiful sport.

‘Running away and quitting is not me,’ Sheldon Jackson shares his journey

Hailing from Bhavnagar, Gujarat, Sheldon Jackson played junior cricket in Mumbai. He was spotted at the Kolkata Knight Riders’ trails by Joydeep Mukherjee. After being on the edges of selection for his state team, Saurashtra, for a considerable time, he made his debut in December 2011.

Sheldon Jackson is multifaceted: apart from being a solid batter and a fantastic fielder, he additionally keeps wickets.

Since his top-notch debut for Saurashtra, he has been one of the most consistent performers in the domestic circuit. The batter has scored 5947 first-class runs at an average of 50.39.

He featured in the top-10 list of most runs scored in the 2021–2022 season of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. In six matches, he scored 271 runs with an average of 67.75.

“Saurashtra is a very small state. It’s very work ethic oriented. We have been very consistent throughout the years. In the last ten years, we have played 6-7 finals. The new president that has come in has taken all the steps in the right direction for cricket.

His first major call-up was for Royal Challengers Bangalore. He recalled the call-up, saying: “I was very happy to be with RCB. I was still raw back then. Being a part of the same team that consisted of Virat Kohli, Ab de Villiers, and Chris Gayle-these are the greats people look up to. So, I was very happy to be with them. Their work ethic was very inspiring.”

He also shared a tale of his selection for KKR in 2013 and the role that Gautam Gambhir played in it. He said that the call-up changed his life forever as it not only offered him the chance to hobnob with the best in the game but also stabilised his life.

“He is the best! He is a very honest and truthful person. He will always be very honest with you, and on your face, you will not like his answers because he is being honest with you. But that helps you grow. He has helped me immensely and, till date, he has helped me. I give a lot of credit for my growth as a cricketer to him. He was the one who saw me play in a Ranji Trophy match and encouraged me to join KKR. Sheldon said, “He is the best, my inspiration, and one of my favourites.”

He likewise thanked the owners for showing immense faith in him: “I am very grateful to the owners: Jay Mehta, Juhi Ma’am, Janhvi Mehta, and Shahrukh Khan Sir. I can live a decent and particular life. That helped me in a lot of ways: exposure, financially; it has helped me a lot.”

Kolkata Knight Riders had named Shreyas Iyer as the captain of their side. Shreyas Iyer has been viewed as a player of character and distinct performances. Sheldon Jackson spoke about what it was like to play under the captaincy of the 27-year-old:

“With him, it brought a lot of flamboyance in his approach. I told him that I wanted to learn from you: the way you carry yourself and your body language. Whether he scores a hundred or a zero, his confidence is always high. The brand of cricket that we played was good to see. You cannot always win, and you cannot always lose. People always want you to win, which is practically not possible. For me, Shreyas Iyerwas very fresh. I really liked playing under him.”

Sheldon Jackson and MS Dhoni were in inverse camps on Day 1 of 2022. While Sheldon was keeping wickets for KKR, Dhoni carried out his standard responsibility behind the stumps for CSK.

In his first match as KKR wicketkeeper, Jackson contributed to a splendid stumping of Chennai Super Kings batter Robin Uthappa off the bowling of Varun Chakravarthy. The rapidity of Jackson’s keeping behind the stumps reminded Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar of MS Dhoni.

“After the match, when we got back our phones, someone said, ‘Sachin Sir, has tweeted about you.’ That moment was surreal for me. For him to even tweet about a cricketer like me and to even think of me being in the same bracket as MS bhai made me feel very happy. That was the peak of happiness,” said the 35-year-old.

For Saurashtra, Sheldon bats at No.3/4, but for Kolkata Knight Riders he has prepared to play down the order: “As a cricketer, when you go to a team, you must be prepared for the position they want you to play. I knew I had to bat lower in the order if I wanted to get a place. When I went in for the first match, I was told by Brendon that this is how we were looking at you. I was not short of commitment or work ethic, but my intent and mindset was always to make the team win. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but it is by the barest of margins.”

Sheldon Jackson copped trolling via social media after KKR’s loss against the Rajasthan Royals. He was hurled abuse by fans who blamed him for KKR’s loss. This isn’t the first-time individuals via social media have crossed lines while criticising a player on his off day.

“The trolling and the abuse I got were so new to me. After my first match, Sachin Sir tweeted about me. I was at the top of the world, and after one match, I was down in the dumps. I didn’t know what to do. If you are batting at that number, there are chances that you will fail more than succeed. And I was okay to do that. The result never came my way, but my intent and approach were never on the back-foot,” he said.

“At that time, except for my family, I did not have many people by my side. I wanted to talk to people, but I was not sure to whom I could talk. I spoke to Harbhajan Bhaiya (Harbhajan Singh). I remember him giving 45–50 minutes of his precious time while he was doing commentary. At this level, this is the first time something like that has happened.”

Harbhajan Singh, Apoorv Desai, Joydeep Mukherjee—they stood up from the front and guided me. I am very grateful to them. I thought after the CSK match, when I had the entire world by my side, after the RR match, I thought I was alone. I really thank the KKR owners as well for the support.”

“This was not the first match someone didn’t win. I am an extremely emotional and sensitive person, which I later realised I cannot be at this level. But that’s my upbringing, that’s my culture. When I changed nearly three games with my wicket-keeping, people didn’t really talk then. For these moments, you have to work day in and day out. Many people do not know what goes on behind the scenes,” he added.

The vital aspect in sports is to never give up. The one that shows will-power becomes the pillar of support that holds their success. It isn’t easy being an athlete – confronting defeat, adapting to pressure, handling victories. It requires a lot of persistence and a ton of hard work.

Sheldon says, “A lot of people wanted me to quit. A lot of people said I don’t belong at this level or that I don’t have the confidence to play at this level. But all I thought was that no one else deserved it more than me. For whatever reason, maybe I could not make the best of my opportunities. I have never had anything easy in my life. Even the IPL never came easy to me.”

“Running away and quitting is not me because people, at times, may not understand that I have a very young family to take care of. I am looking to do the hard yards again; I am willing to work even harder. I am not the one who is going to run away. I am not willing to be done in this fashion,” he signed off.

From a tough net session to ‘King Kohli reigns supreme in a run chase’

Royal Challengers Bangalore had a regular Match Day -1 practice at the MCA, BKC ground. At 18:58pm Virat Kohli strode out to the nets in the center and wrapped-up at 20:27pm.

He took on the pacers in the first one hour. He smashed the bowlers and the other net bowlers from the extra squad for a few sixes. Some trademark, stunning stuff, still far based on what he’s truly capable of, yet the one who looked lost in no place, may have, just may have, dug out a way.

After taking a break for 4-7 minutes, Kohli was again seen batting in the second nets where he took on the spinners. He smashed them for some glorious straight drives, some sixes. While he was looking in good touch, he did tend out to get bowled once and missed out on a few deliveries completely where he was seen talking to himself at point region.

The shots that were displayed that evening were something that reminded me of peak Virat Kohli.

On 19th May, Virat Kohli got back to form when Royal Challengers Bangalore needed him the most. He played a game of dominating innings against the Gujarat Titans that saved his team above water in the race for the playoffs.

“Intent” the newly loved word in the cricketing fraternity. On a damp night at the Wankhede Stadium, it was the solitary word that blazed like a bulb to you while watching Virat Kohli toy with Gujarat Titans attack in the PowerPlay.

The supernatural run-scorer, who has had a disappointing IPL 2022 up to this point, searched in his zone during a 54-ball 73-run knock. Kohli took two or three overs to get his eye in prior to setting out his expectations with lofts straight down and through the covers against Mohammed Shami. The rest fell into place without a hitch for him as the star batter became stronger to strength.

The two boundaries in the third over off Mohammed Shami were enough for the motors to start up. There were a number of inside-edges that turned out well for him; however Virat Kohli ensured he exploited them all.

Later, it was a knock that consisted of some luck and some shots. Kohli went downtown to smash a one-bounce four off Rashid and pulled Yash Dayal’s short length ball over mid-wicket that notched up RCB’s fifty inside the powerplay.

In the ninth over, he racked up his half-century in style through an eminent whip six off Rashid over mid-wicket. The former captain raised his bat to acknowledge. Kohli admired the divine beings, his hand raised towards the sky, offering his thanks for all the gifts from heaven he had today. The Wankhede were up on their feet.

All through the difficult situation in the ongoing IPL 2022, Kohli has been unlucky on several events. He was dismissed a couple of times in the most uncommon way.

While winning the Player of the Match award for his brilliant 73 off 54 balls, he referenced how he batted for 90 minutes non-stop in the nets yesterday to test his musicality.

“You need to keep the perspective right. You can forget the process in order to live up to the expectations. I have worked really hard. I batted 90 minutes in the nets yesterday. I came in very free and relaxed,” Kohli said.

Cometh the hour, cometh the man – Virat Kohli is absolutely an adherent of this adage. Beating his lean patch, the 33-year-old made a joke of Gujarat Titans bowling attack to keep RCB’s season playoff trusts alive.

For now, it’s just about praising a knock many had been desiring for. The fans in the stadium were on their feet and applauding what they had witnessed, the commentators were humming, social-media was loaded with accolades, and out there in the middle – it was Kohli and his propel.

What changed in those 90 minutes? His approach? His thought process? Did he learn something new? Did he ‘watch the ball’? We would never know. From a tough net session to ‘King Kohli reigns supreme in a run chase.’

‘Put your best foot forward and results will follow’ – In conversation with Luvnith Sisodia

The Indian Premier League has swiftly risen as a platform for young players to exhibit their abilities against the best in the world. Since the league’s initiation in 2008, it has offered a great platform for youngsters to showcase their talent.

Stashing deals, brushing shoulders with the greatest names in the game and displaying their talent in front of spectators has allowed many cricketers to take full advantage of their procured abilities and show the world who they are.

Royal Challengers Bangalore roped in 22-year-old Luvnith Sisodia and will be taking the field in the franchise spectacle. He is a wicket-keeping batter and can be a major name for RCB’s future considering the team’s preference in saddling young talents.

“Prior to the auction, I had attended selection trials for several teams. In those trials, I believe I put my best foot forward. Obviously, we have no control over what happens during the auction. This is how auction dynamics work. But, somewhere in the back of my mind, I was hoping to be drafted by a team,” said Luvnith on asking him if he was confident on bagging a deal.

“Dreams, they say, do come true. Yes, it does! RCB has always been a favorite of mine. Being from Bengaluru, one can only wish to be a part of this franchise. Growing up, I, like any other youngster in the city, wished to play for this franchise. Here I am – donning this jersey. It is all very surreal. I am grateful,” he added when he was asked what it is like to be part of a team that has been home to big names.

Karnataka have been one of the best domestic sides across competitions and formats in the last few years. The trophy cabinet at KSCA remains as a testament.

It wouldn’t be inappropriate to say Karnataka are the force to be reckoned with in domestic cricket in India. Luvnith Sisodia made his debut for Karnataka on 25 February 2019 in the 2018–19 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

“The pride you get playing for Karnataka is unbeatable. Such is the atmosphere around the team. I love how closely knit the teammates are. It feels more like a family. We have always been known to be a team that places a strong emphasis on the pillars of unity, both on and off the field. Every time I wear the Karnataka jersey, it feels like something special,” he said.

Since the IPL is held under different conditions and within the bio-bubble, how difficult is it to adhere to the guidelines? Luvnith said: “To be honest, the atmosphere in the camp is fantastic. You don’t feel like you are in a bubble or far away from home. It feels more like home. When you have this kind of environment, bio-bubble life isn’t too taxing. In my spare time, I enjoy playing PlayStation and watching movies.

RCB have started their practice sessions and match, upon asking him how his first encounter with the other players in the squad was, he said: “The preparation for the tournament has been good. I think I am in a good frame of mind. I also got a half-century in the match simulation.”

“Virat Kohli was the one player I was most excited to meet. I met him yesterday and showed him an old photo of myself with him. We had a good laugh. Overall, I have got along well with all my teammates,” he added.

RCB have shattered many records and scripted history as far as records are concerned. That one game Luvnith would have liked to be a part of was the match against Gujarat Lions back in 2016.

“The one game I wish I could have been a part of was when Virat and AB tormented the Gujarat bowling attack at the Chinnaswamy in 2016. I had the impression that I was watching Ronaldo and Messi play together,” said the prodigy.

The player whom you have always looked up to rather idolized. The 22-year-old said: “Virat Kohli. I have always looked up to him. I admire how he faces the challenges head on. He operates with extraordinary zeal. The way he has grown in stature from 2008 to 2022 should inspire any youngster. I have also enjoyed watching Yuvraj Singh bat in full flow. These are the two players who have had the most influence on me.”

Karnataka’s Luvnith Sisodia, with his 129-ball 312 blinder, rose above those limits, and regardless of whether that came at a corporate one-day tournament, a triple century is as of now not in the domain of implausible. This knock shot him into the spotlight quickly and his exhibition at the recent edition of the BCCI U25 Trophy, where he scored over 230, is proof that the big knock was not a coincidence.

“That day, I didn’t think of any milestones. I appeared to be in good shape. My only thought was to keep batting for as long as possible. That knock sort of put me in the spotlight. To be honest, I had no idea I would be at RCB the following year. Never ever in my wildest dreams.”

He has a place with the profoundly pursued type of cricketers in the realm of maturing franchise-based leagues: A hard-hitting wicketkeeper-batter who can win you games – A blend that is quite rare in cricket.

In days of gruesome competition on asking him about how he is working towards improving his keeping skills as well alongside batting, he said: “To be honest, I devote the same amount of time to both. As we all know, keeping wickets is a difficult job. I practice a lot to get better at it. Besides that, I do a lot of range-hitting to enhance my power-hitting game.”

Luvnith accompanies an attitude for destruction. He is generally ravenous for striking huge strikes; he is known for reverberating strikes, and he knows his work quite well. Likely in a ritzy sky, he will get a modest bunch of chances, yet the sort of expectation that he carries alongside himself can be an outright distinct advantage.

“I am someone who likes to keep it simple. I always believe in the process. Put your best foot forward and the results will follow eventually,” he says.

There is a sense of belief reeking out of the 22-year-old. This Karnataka player can possibly strike big for his IPL franchise as well as in the domestic circuit. One of the upcoming talents to watch out for – Luvnith Sisodia.

Virat Kohli’s journey of fearlessness, debut to 100

It was on June 20, 2011, when Virat Kohli made his debut in the longest format of the game. He made his debut against West Indies at Kingston, Jamaica. The right-handed batter didn’t have a decent show with the bat in his first test as he managed to score only 19 runs in the match.

India ultimately proceeded to win the game by 63 runs. Since his Test debut, Kohli has made a tremendous imprint on the game. He has so far played 99 Tests, managing to score 7962 runs with 27 centuries at an average of 50.39.

Make no question about it. Kohli is an outright superstar, his stock having risen cosmically, where he has dominated his comrades.

A leader was born

MS Dhoni announced his retirement from Test Cricket towards the end of the third Test against Australia. Virat Kohli was given the reigns full-time. He was India’s 32nd Test skipper in history. It was December 2014 when Indian fans were left shocked. Requiring 364 runs for a success in the first test against Australia, Indian fans would have promptly acknowledged a draw on the last day. From the start of 2010 until 2014, India had won just six out of 28 away Tests, losing 15 and drawing seven.

It made them slip in the ICC rankings, and when they arrived Down Under, expectations were low. What followed was dazing. Substitute captain Virat Kohli, assuming control over the job from an injured MS Dhoni, asked his team to go for it and to add more, he led the team from the front, making 141 runs from 175 balls. Nonetheless, as the game developed closer, the Indian team, apparently because of an absence of support, collapsed from 242-2 to 315 all out.

For a long time, having been so acquainted with playing safe, the brave, fearless attitude was somewhat satisfying, yet Kohli was regardless reprimanded for offering a chance to save a Test match overseas.

Virat Kohli has always given prime importance to Test Cricket

One should not neglect, preceding the visit to England back in 2018, Kohli had joined to play a month of county cricket with Surrey. The point behind it was just to become acclimated to English conditions with the red ball and guarantee there was no rehash of 2014.

At last, the spell never occurred because of an awful neck injury endured during the Indian Premier League.

One of cricket’s greatest batters wanting to go through the toil of first-class cricket in another country in the middle of a jam-packed schedule, is as large a lift for red ball cricket as there could be.

The man who made Test Cricket an enthralling experience for spectators

Times of inaction in the stands saw Kohli run towards the fans with his hands raised, encouraging the crowd to make more clamor. Before every ball, he would yell inspirational serenades, enticing the crowd to participate, and each wicket was trailed by an enlivened celebration that ended with him bowing to the crowd, nearly to say much obliged.

Consistently, Kohli supported Test Cricket as far as possible. He didn’t have to do that – he had enough to manage. Yet, under that bursting persona, Kohli was a perfectionist. He just appreciated Test cricket. The clash on the first day in seaming conditions; the strategic fights with spinners on dust bowls; the determined spotlight on endurance when a draw was the most ideal choice.

It turned out in his captaincy. While Virat Kohli was the skipper, every ball was an occasion. You could hear him the whole day grunting ceaselessly, attempting to separate the resistance, and in his vivified celebrations and send-offs.

The one who embraced being uncomfortable to be comfortable on the field

Virat Kohli is known for being perhaps the fiercest contender on the cricket field. Additionally, he has perhaps been the best player in the business across formats. Aside from his batting, Virat Kohli is additionally known for his commitment to fitness.

His aspiration to make his country the best Test team in the world prompted an unfaltering spotlight on prepping up fast bowlers, who have stood tall in their overseas successes, and his passion and priority to fitness has impacted the way India plays Test cricket.

January 2022 Kohli resigned as Test Captain

On 15th January 2022 there was a dull feeling that creeped in. The day Virat Kohli announced his resignation as the Test skipper following seven years, in charge of India’s brilliant period in the longest format of the game. The past seven years appear to be practically otherworldly, with the Indian Test team arriving at its highest statures.

Looking back, however, when we glance back at Kohli’s inheritance, we will understand that it was not simply India who were fortunate to have him. Cricket, yet more explicitly, Test cricket, will be for all time in his obligation.

His legacy as the Test Captain

From No.7, Virat Kohli, who acknowledged to take a gander at the records of the side’s low positioning when he assumed control over the job, has exceptionally taken India to the top, assisting them with overcoming landmasses. With 40 wins in 68 Tests. He additionally assisted the side to a historic Test series with winning in Australia and took the team No.1 position in the ICC Test rankings.

Assuming that we are discussing numbers, Virat Kohli is the fourth-best skipper in the world. He scored runs all over and won many series that India’s losses got more consideration.

Kohli stands apart because he pushed his team to be at their very best consistently on the field. He drove from the front, every time, then, be it physically, or mentally.

His captaincy was an in-your-face attitude to such an extent that even in losing causes, Virat Kohli’s voice was the most intense on the field. His captaincy was enthusiastic to such an extent that it constrained the best teams in the world to commend him for his endeavors.

So here we thank you, Virat. We express our gratitude to you. Test cricket is fit as a fiddle. When a whiz like you thinks often about something so strongly, thus energetically, it has a massive impact, one that inspiringly influences the surrounding. Thank you, for illuminating Test cricket. It’s time now for Kohli, the batter, to become the focal point.

India will be taking on Sri Lanka in the first of the two-match Test series at Mohali on Friday. While the match is relied upon to be an intriguing one as both the teams look uniformly ready, the fans will be anticipating an extraordinary display from Virat Kohli, as he will be playing the 100th Test match of his career.

Yet another day, one more feather to Virat Kohli’s cap as he gears up to wear the white jersey for the 100th time. The 12th Indian player to accomplish this rare landmark. It’s been a long rise where the once stout Delhi kid known for his passion for authoritative batting turned into a champion cricketer.

“Test Cricket needs to stay alive. People need to experience it. This, for me, is real cricket,” said Virat Kohli to BCCI.tv ahead of his milestone Test. He has lived Test Cricket to its ideal. Alongside him, we as a whole did. The fans will be loaded up with pleasure and India with the energy that only Virat Kohli can bring.

It will not be easy to watch him walk behind another player. Because leaders always walk to the front and lead from the front.

Virat Kohli bewitched us into the exciting universe of his art and captivated us to remain stuck, and we, simple humans, dug into his call over and over. A billion hearts thump as one when he strolls out to bat, and he will expect to have the best season in Test cricket yet and lay out his status as a great.

Play to win: Virat Kohli, the Test captain

Virat Kohli was appointed as full-time Test captain after MS Dhoni retired from the format in 2014. From that point forward he has driven India in 68 Test matches, winning 40 of them. He has been India’s best Test captain with a great success % of 58.82.

Right from his first game as skipper in Adelaide, Kohli has simply looked to win. The word ‘draw’ scarcely exists for him. After venturing onto the field, his team is relied upon to play just for the win.

On January 15th, 2022 – Virat Kohli announced his decision to step down from Test captaincy, it denoted the conclusion of a brilliant era for the Indian men’s cricket team. He took a team that was mulling at No.7 on the Test rankings and shaped it in his picture – reckless, proud and above all, certain that they could beat anybody in the world, anyplace in the world.

That resolute concentration and will-power to win was what Virat Kohli ingrained in the team, and it radiated through in their most candescent moments. At home, India was an unbeatable side, not losing a solitary series under his captaincy, yet what was really the hallmark of his spell was India’s exhibitions overseas.

Virat Kohli – the captain is so vital to Test cricket. The salient thing about him is he wants to think about it. India’s significance to world cricket is notable. At a time, when everywhere, players were retiring from the longest format of the game for the wealth of T20 leagues, for India’s skipper to be so energetic with regards to the 5-day game is a blessing in disguise.

His yearning and inspiration to perform in Tests and win huge away series is quite visible in his words. There was an assurance to make India the best side in the world, to eradicate India’s helpless record outside Asia and to script history in the white jersey.

At times his moves did confuse individuals. His choices scarcely checked out. Although, he adhered to those striking choices. He stood like a despairing believer. He got things going when nobody anticipated that he would. For a format that is tagged as ‘boring and monotonous’ by some, the mentality of skipper like Kohli is of great importance.

Virat Kohli is not loved worldwide. There are admirers of his batting, yet his character is difficult to take to. Although, regardless of whether you love him or despise him, he is somebody who can’t be disregarded.

From his batting and handling to his captaincy, Kohli ensured individuals are stuck to the TVs when he is on the field. Virat Kohli probably won’t be the saint Test cricket merits, yet he is positively one it needed.

Virat Kohli’s last Test as skipper, in Cape Town, had moments that both charmed and spurned him as a kingpin. He was vociferous, expressive, confrontational, energized, and now and again, boisterous, and reckless. However, the amount one prefers or abhorrence him, idolizes or challenges him, one can’t miss out his energy, the relentless progression of an infectious power. Behind India’s most prosperous time in Test cricket was his tireless, regular savage, energy.

He has gotten in dabs of obscure amounts is zing. What’s more, his zing was irresistible, it made people on social media go crazy, it made him the guide of a show occurring in the stands through crowd individuals as performers, it made him the doyen of the camera and the normal cricket watcher’s favorite.

That energy was a mix of desire and demeanor. Under him, India wanted to win, however succeed at all possible expenses. Under him, it was a fixation, or considerably more, an obsession. It was constant, consequently, that he formed the team around him in his stencil, typifying his best and most exceedingly loud characteristics.

It was a team, at its pinnacle, that never surrendered till the last ball, held onto the defining moments, punched, counterpunched, and conveyed the blows. Indeed, even in his nonattendance, the excellencies he ingrained in the group stuck out. That is the point at which the tradition of a genuine leader is really felt – when he isn’t anywhere near, yet one sees his blight hiding.

The desire shouted in all that he did as a player. That permeated to all that he did: batting, introducing fitness, handling captaincy, vision for the Test team, potency on the field. During his tenure, the regarded by the resistance, appreciated by intellectuals for his energy for Test cricket – an inheritance that will endure for an extremely long period.

Much obliged to you for making the world go gaga for Test cricket. Thank you for making us dream, for making us ravenous, for making us think incomprehensible is just a thought. Lastly, thank you for all the memories.

Thank you for everything, Captain Kohli.