The advent of T20 has shown us time again and again that any total is chase-able with the ability to invent innovative strokes and shots. Thus you have strokes like Dilshan's Dillscooop , Dhoni’s famous Helicopter shot ( which has not taken off ) plus some unbelievable range of strokes fro Gayle, ABD, Maxwell and much more. These players have played innings which have defined the moment and glory for the game of cricket.
But, yesterday innings of Virat Kohli was way beyond imagination. This innings reminded the innings of Sachin Tendulkar “Operation Desert Storm “. Coincidentally, this innings was also against Australia but in the shortest format of the game. Tendulkar innings had the maximum amount of clean innovative aerial shots where even the good length deliveries which would have been defended have been smashed into the stands. Virat innings on other hand was dominated by fours. But the style and execution of those shots were simply fantastic. In the current T20 scenario where its not easy to attack in final overs due to the spread out field, it was heartening to see Kohli was able to find and pierce the ball right into the gaps for boundary.
The way he pace the innings was also commendable. On one side he was seeing the failures to stay rooted on the pitch of his fellow cricketers with some stupid strokes, he maintained his composure. Yuvraj Singh who had sprained his leg and couldn’t run with ease, he showed restraint and just carried out with singles. This showed he had the supreme confidence in his own abilities that he can raise his tempo at the right moment and can win this knockout game. Not just silken cover drives, the running between the wickets were such a treat to watch. Both Kohli and Dhoni stole extra runs in front of the best fielders among Aussies.
He quickly along with his experience in T20s against Aussies, picked up the bowler, he wanted to attack and produce a brilliant over with striking cover drives and sixes. The best part of the final 2 overs was the shots were all ground strokes such a treat to watch how surgically he was creating those gaps in the maze of Australian fielders. Virat face said it all he was in totally different zone from the over 17th to 19th over of the game. The way he was hitting the strokes he was making the bowler dictate the length they should bowl to him.
An Innings of this caliber and ability was required to make India qualify for the semis of the world cup. As pointed out by Dhoni, in the crucial stage everyone should contribute and not only depend on Virat to rescue them from the mess.
All the best to Indian team to win the remaining two matches and bring back the glory they had brought back 9 years ago.
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