Virat Kohli has been the country’s most prolific run-getter in the recent years and in the past — and is not shy of announcing it to the world
Test cricket is what should be paramount to any cricketer. Which is why its jarring to see players asking to be rested rest during international cricket tours but have no qualms playing lucrative Twenty20 (T20) leagues. Rest is important for cricketer playing almost round the year, but then so should be priority.
Virat Kohli has been a glutton for hard work. India’s Test captain made it clear yesterday that the month - long break was enough for him to recharge his batteries and want to be back in the greens, doing what he does the best — playing cricket. Ahead of the Sri Lanka tour, which starts August 12, Kohli’s decision to get some practice by turning up for India A in the unofficial Test against Australia A, is a one that should be lauded. It shows his intent and also sends the right message to the rest of team as a leader.
The Indian captain has displayed great attitude and emphatically conveyed the message that he is not taking his form for granted. Kohli is a mass figure and as a role-model he has set the right example to the millions who follow him.
He has been the country’s most prolific run-getter in the recent years and in the past — and is not shy of announcing it to the world. However, he hasn’t scored enough runs lately. Knowing the uncertainties and being aware of the fact that this is India’s best chance to beat Sri Lanka in a Test series since 1993, Kohli doesn’t want to take a chance with his form. Adding to this, the conditions at Chennai — venue of the second unofficial Test between India A and Australia A — won’t be very different from that in Sri Lanka and the 26-year-old wants no stones unturned ahead of the tour. Tactical acumen is a hallmark of a good leader but in a team sport, it’s also about one’s eagerness to lead from the front which sets the person apart from the others. Kohli forms the backbone of India’s batting and he knows it well that more the numbers add to his runs column, the more the chances are of India’s success. The practice he will get from the unofficial Test will be invaluable.
Playing this game will also give him an opportunity to exchange notes with the former Indian captain and current India A coach Rahul Dravid. Kohli has shared dressing room with the Indian great for the national side as well as at Royal Challengers Bangalore, and has always voiced his support for Dravid’s inclusion in Indian cricket’s current scheme of things.
The second unofficial Test against Australia A starts on July 29 and the Indian Test skipper will play this game under the leadership of his national teammate Cheteshwar Pujara.
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