Virat Kohli: The King is here to stay

Desire to play: The temple and home as one

Aparkitakraka, Hasty Action

A Brahman leaves his child with a mongoose friend. When he returns, he sees blood on the mongoose's mouth, and kills his friend, believing the animal killed his child. The Brahman discovers his child alive, and learns that the mongoose defended the child from a snake. He regrets having killed his friend.

A story that teaches us one thing. To peacefully put away unimaginable disappointment and move on to the performing arts. Not easy when you are in the public eye and your personal life is suddenly not so personal.

"The way I approached the game changed that day. I just had one thing in my mind - that I have to play for my country and live that dream for my dad." – Kohli;s father died at 3 AM and he turned up to play the same morning for Delhi.

The story is eerily similar to how Sachin dealt with his father’s demise. Returned back to India colors immediately in the 1999 world cup and scored an emotionally heightened century in the first match after.

Another common thread is the fact that they are looked at as the solitary flag bearers in the Indian line up and face the pressure of a billion and more fanatical supporters every time they walk out to bat. Any sign of weakness in them and the entire team is at risk of crumbling.

To be able to put aside the pressure and continue to play your natural game is something that tests the best. Often the game becomes more than what it is and strangles your core belief. Vilifying accusations bordering on violence and character assassination in this cricket-mad country. Take for example Anushka Sharma alluded to be the main reason why India did not win the world cup.

Being on the ground makes these players feel at home and forget the world for just a little while. The thousands of hours over years of struggle through the ranks brings with it a connection that is almost like family. A zone where the mind is at ease and one with the faith. The immersion in the game itself allows the players to move on from personal losses.