The future of Virat Kohli in the Indian cricket is subject to a lot of speculation, albeit, most of it is speculative. According to his current shape in the past half-dozen ODIs, Kohli seems to be on the right path to play in the 2027 world cup in South Africa. The Indian team would lose a lot in case of any decision to deny him.
Even in close run-chases India continues to look to Kohli just as a ship looks to its lighthouse. The reason is not that the other members of the batting team are not skilled, but it is more to do with the making of the right decisions under pressure rather than taking flashy strokes. Kohli is still the most trusted decision maker of India in a critical situation – the batsman who can convert panic into a strategy, keep the score board moving with intelligent use of the cricket bat and keep the chase going even when it is going wrong.
The most effective manifestation of this dependence was the third ODI against New Zealand at Indore. New Zealand made a hard task of it, with a total of 337 the totals of 8, but was boosted by a huge 219-run stand between Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips. The pursuit of India started in the accustomed stress of high-stakes endeavours: premature wickets and abrupt necessity made the goal even more sorely apparent. Two things were required of the chase, both at critical moments and to be steady, during the innings. That stability was virtually due to the efforts of a single player Virat Kohli.
It did not only happen because it was a record, but it was the foundation of the pursuit as Kohli scored 124 off 108 balls. He turned and took his strike, and selected his overs, and pegged the innings through the difficult central period when needed run rate and wickets can pound a team to ruin. So long as Kohli was in the crease the target of India seemed possible. When he was dismissed the momentum failed and the chase disintegrated.
Join our whatsapp group for Latest updates
Click Here for Chhattisgarh News
Click Here for Entertainment News