KING KOHLI: Winning matches and fans, in India and Pakistan

The popularity of Virat Kohli was never in doubt. Nor did he himself doubt his own batting skills. It is just that impatient fans and social media heartless hacks got after him. As the champion batter crafted one more century, against Pakistan, at the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, on Sunday, the King Kohli debate has not yet settled down. It is understandable, the kind of knock which Kohi produced has ensured the records created again walk into cricket annals. To be doing this stuff repeatedly, despite ‘lack of form’ is what defines him. The kind of intense scrutiny Kohli has been subjected to has been harsh. From his lack of runs to a veggie diet and why he is spiritual, Kohli has become a subject for one and all.

The subject continues to remain relevant since everyone is still talking about him even after the big ton three days ago. The century which Kohli scored was not the first one in this edition of the Champions Trophy. It is his aura and it is his persona how has masters the chase in the ODIs which leaves him perched on top. For those making comparisons between Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar, who also batted in a Masters cricket event on Tuesday, that is the problem. Kohli has himself repeatedly acknowledged Tendulkar is his hero, his idol.

Let Kohli just be Kohli. That way, he will produce more classics and ensure India will continue to defeat Pakistan in white ball cricket as long as he is around. The big question on how long Kohli will be around should not even be asked. For all those who had said after his failures in the BGT Series in Australia he should retire, reviews have changed. Understandable that, since critics are a sick lot. They are illogical, impatient and do not understand someone like Kohli puts in a 100 per cent effort daily. That he would explode into form had to happen. Delightfully, he chooses to take on Pakistan and do it.

Back to the rave reviews for King Kohli, they continue to occupy top mind space just like Vicky Kaushal has got for the role in Bollywood hit ‘Chhaava.” Kohli is the master, and he is also the destroyer. How long he can do it should not be discussed now. The 36-year-old puts in effort like none else, is enjoying the process and hard work. And when he creates a ton in ODIs, it sends all into a delirium. It is one thing for fans to celebrate Kohli. It is quite another as to what makes him so unique that even former cricketers turned experts continue to rave about Kohli.

One man has occupied so much mind space, he stays very special. To win fans in India and Dubai is fine, but to win fans in Pakistan, an enemy country, is not easy. One look at images from Pakistan and to see young girls go gaga over King Kohli, that is his class, charisma and character. Perhaps, many decades ago, when Imran Khan was the master of pace, swing and movement with cricket ball in his hand, with debonair looks to boot, he had a massive fan following in Pakistan, India and England. Imran was loved for his cricket and whatever he did. He had that aura of someone who could make fans swoon as he destroyed rival batting sides.

Kohli is different, he is a batsman/batter. To be out of form in Test cricket and play himself into form in the ODIs, he has proved that effort can change so much in life. India looks to Kohli in the remainder of the Champions Trophy as well, though one does not know if this will be his last white ball tournament for India. He and skipper Rohit Sharma had retired from T20 internationals last year. As long as Kohli can score, he should be left alone. He has a role, a massive one, for RCB as well in the IPL 2025. Before you ask whether he will be on board for the Test series against England, don’t even ask that question! Be patient.