Amid the Collapse and Criticism, Virat Kohli Stood Tall — Carrying India’s Pride on His Shoulders
It was the series decider game between India and New Zealand on 18th Jan (Sunday) where India slumped to a 41-run defeat. Despite getting early breakthroughs, the Indian bowling attack could not restrict the Kiwis, and conceded a mountain of 337 runs. The actual salt in the wound was the stern partnership of 219 runs between Darryl Mitchell and Glenn Philip. On the other hand, the Indian batting order collapsed like a pack of cards, one-after-the-other. Besides Virat Kohli, no other top-order batsman could hold to the chase. Most of them lost their wickets while playing an irrational shot. Meanwhile, the chase master stood in the middle like a lone warrior. As far as he was there, Kiwis knew that he could take the match away anytime.
The former Indian skipper and legendary batsman Sunil Gavaskar also criticised the continuous failure of the top-order batting for not providing a solid start. He further praised Virat and suggested that other batters should learn from Kohli how to build and pace innings. Gavaskar often shows an emotional reaction towards all campaigns. He thoroughly criticised the Indian side on this pathetic defeat, which is the first time India has lost an ODI series at home against New Zealand.
This loss was even more painful because the Kiwis did not participate even with their actual bench strength. Besides Mitchell, Bracewell, and Philip, the entire squad was comparatively new. There were no Santner, Rachin Ravindra, Williamson, or Matt Henry. A debutant like Jayden Lennox completely crushed the Indian batting. Even part-timers like Philip and Bracewell did well throughout the series. On the other hand, the hosts came with their full potential, including frontline spinner Kuldeep Yadav. But, the left arm chinaman bowler showcased an average performance in all three games. Additionally, continuous failure of Rohit Sharma and Shubhman Gill in providing a solid start, just made the Indian side look off colour.
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Virat Kohli the Lone Warrior
In the final game at Holkar Stadium Indore, Virat Kohli was fighting the lone battle. Although, he has earned the reputation of chase master after leading Indian through numerous successful chases. Virat Kohli’s 124-knock off 108 balls remained the only remarkable effort from any top-order Indian batter in the tie-braker game. However, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana showed some support. Initially, Reddy built a partnership with Kohli and reached his maiden ODI half century, but soon lost his wicket while trying to hit the ball through mid-wicket. Jadeda also did make an impact and his short inning of 9 runs ended in the hands of Will Young at deep mid-wicket. After him Harshit Rana came as a surprise. While playing with his senior statement, the all-rounder scored his maiden ODI fifty.
On the other hand, Virat Kohli just continued with what he has been doing for years, carrying hopes on his shoulders. He started aggressively but then stood in the middle after quick wicket-falls. The Run-Machine Kohli scored his 54th ODI hundred. It was his 85th International ton and 7th against the black caps. With this century, Virat surpassed the Australian legend Ricky Ponting (6 centuries against NZ).
Also Read: Virat Kohli Family – Father, Mother, Siblings, Wife & Kids
Besides this, Sunil Gavaskar’s words clearly showed why Kohli has been the heartbeat of Indian batting for more than one and half decade. While speaking on Amul Cricket Live on Jio Hotstar, Gavaskar said, “Unless Virat Kohli got substantial support, it was always going to be difficult, and he got very little of it.” The former legendary opener further said, “the real problem for India throughout the series has been a solid start.” As they say- “Well begun is half done.”
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