Virat Kohli led the Indian team to victory. Something that we all have gotten used to in the past few months. When India took on New Zealand in the third ODI, little did Kohli know that he would go on to make his second highest score in One-Day Internationals and give India another fairy tale ending. With a target of 286 set by the Kiwis, India were struggling with Rahane’s dismissal at 13. Next up was the nation’s heartbeat and the mainstay of Indian batting line-up.
Like all batsmen, Kohli was a bit rusty at the start of the innings and there came a moment that could have changed the complexion of the game. Kohli tried to play a back-foot punch and in the process edged it. The ball went flying to Ross Taylor who was standing at the third slip. Matt Henry had already given the first break-through to the Kiwis in the form of Ajinkya Rahane and Kohli’s wicket would have meant that India’s backbone was broken.
Fortune favours the brave or in this instance, Taylor was unfortunate to hold on to the ball. Kohli got another chance and he grabbed the opportunity with both hands. With his innings of 154 not out from 134 balls, Kohli went on to score his second highest score in ODIs. A knock that included 16 fours and a six, was a prime example of how Kohli’s batting has evolved.
If we note Kohli’s performances this year across different formats, one can clearly say that the year 2016 has been lucky for Kohli so far. In 8 ODIs that he has played so far, Kohli has contributed 91 (97), 59 (67), 117 (117), 106 (92) and 8 (11) against Australia. In the ongoing series, he has scored 85*(81), 9(13) and 154*(134) against New Zealand. Overall, he averages 104.83 with 629 runs in just 8 games.
In Tests, Kohli has scored 560 runs so far in 10 innings at an of average 56. This year only, he scored two double centuries (200 and 211) and became the only Indian captain to score a double century overseas and the first Indian captain to score two double centuries. In T20Is, Kohli averages 106.83 in the 13 innings that he has gotten a chance to bat. With his unbeaten knocks in most of the fixtures, Kohli has scored 641 runs and has been not out on 7 occasions. In the Indian Premier League, Kohli scored 973 runs and led his team Royal Challengers Bangalore to the finals of the competition. He also received the orange cap for being the highest scorer of the tournament.
In the Indian Premier League, Kohli scored 973 runs and led his team Royal Challengers Bangalore to the finals of the competition. He also received the orange cap for being the highest scorer of the tournament. So is it safe to say that 2016 has been the year that has been really kind on Virat Kohli. With a few games still to be played before the year ends, we hope Kohli continues to perform the same way that he has been.
