Virat Kohli – on his route to greatness

Virat Kohli joined the club of four Indians, who have scored a century in one innings of a test, and got out in the nineties in the other innings

What a timely contribution of 96 runs by Virat Kohli. This not only helped team India build a solid foundation in the second innings against South Africa, but his splendid batting has again established his supremacy. People have already started comparing the vibrant Virat with Sachin Tendulkar. The way Virat is achieving milestones; he surely has a bright career ahead.

His sparkling batting resulted in a strong 222 run partnership for the third wicket with Cheteshwar Pujara. But luck always plays its role. Virat Kohli got out to the part timer Duminy on 96. The delivery, which bounced a bit too much, resulted in Kohli being caught behind. Not only has he missed out on his century, but unfortunately he has missed another record – that of making a century in both the innings of a test match. Earlier, only three Indian batsmen – Vijay Hazare (once),Rahul Dravid (twice) and Sunil Gavaskar (thrice) have done this. This feat, if accomplished by Kohli, would have added another feather in his cap. This is a record which can only be achieved by a batsman who is consistent as well as having good stamina.

With this dismissal on 96, he has also joined the club of four Indians, who have scored a century in one innings of a test, and got out in the nineties in the other innings. Although, this is an unwanted record, which Kohli would like to correct in the coming matches.

His noteworthy achievements in international cricket are a result of his sweat and toil. Self esteem and confidence is the key to his wonderful performances. He is known for his aggressive style, yet he is mature enough to leave the tricky deliveries. Particularly, he has been negotiating the bowling of Steyn and Morkel very well. He has got a perfect technique clubbed with a natural ability to time the ball well. He always utilizes the short deliveries (Unlike many fellow Indian batsmen). He manages to find the boundary very often while facing bouncers.

The way he is progressing, he might be able to equal the record of 49 test centuries held by Sachin Tendulkar. Virat Kohli has got a pretty good average of 41.16 in the test matches. This 25 year old right hand batsman had already shown his capabilities as a future leader, when he led team India on the tour of Zimbabwe in the absence of MS Dhoni.

Virat Kohli truly represents the modern day cricketer who is daring and vocal on any issue. He has not only successfully taken the number 4 slot held by Sachin Tendulkar, but is proving to long term successor of the master blaster.