KOHLI AT 500

- Anirudha R Nijagal

Representing the nation and contributing something to the country is the ultimate victory to a Human Being. Sport is a huge thing. Cricket is the primary source of emotion in India. To be an International Cricketer in India seems to be the epitome of success.

Playing 500 games, representing the country takes immense amount of dedication, mental toughness, hard work and sacrifices. Virat Kohli on 20th July, 2023 became only the 4th Indian to achieve the feat.

Virat Kohli joined the elite company of Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni and Rahul Dravid.

To be called a legend requires consistency in every aspect of technicalities, discipline and social responsibility. Virat Kohli has been an inspiring energy in India who has been respected and loved in every household. Deserved every bit of being called an absolute legend of the game of Cricket.

Playing 500th International game, the man also showcased the mental toughness by grinding it out to score his 121 runs (29th test ton, 76th International Ton).

Though the West Indies bowlers didn’t have the amount of spice required against a champion Indian side, it was tough to score runs. Every run had to be earned by working for it. Kohli exhibited the epitome of batsmanship by stealing the singles and doubles by putting the ball in the gaps. Boundaries were hard to come because of the sluggish outfield. The players’ fitness was put on line and the 34-year-old Virat along with captain Rohit and newbie Yashaswi Jaiswal raised to the occasion and scored their runs.

Virat Kohli at 500 can be seen as a Champion sportsman. But this is not the end of road for Virat. His fitness standards are second to none and him playing for another 5 years looks pretty possible. With 76 International Hundreds to his name, he is only second to Sachin Tendulkar in the list of number of International Centuries.

It is the world cup year (2023) and the senior Indian batsman looks ready for the upcoming Asia Cup followed by the all important “HOME WORLD CUP”. The last time the World cup was played in India, it was the iconic Indian team under MS Dhoni that achieved the glory of winning the world cup. Indians wait expecting a repeat of the 2011 classic. And Virat holds the all-important key role of leading the batting department and the leadership group to guide the youngsters.

Virat, you truly are the greatest to hold the bat. Keep making the millions of Indians smile by rising that weapon of yours to celebrate. Hold that smile, score hundreds and keep playing forever.

My captain forever!