March 2, 2018 marked the 11th anniversary of Virat Kohli and his troops’ triumphant Under-19 World Cup campaign in Kuala Lumpur. It was under Kohli’s leadership, Indian boys had defended a paltry total of 159 against South Africa U-19 in the all-important summit clash and lifted the trophy.
Since then Virat has come a long way. Widely deemed as the best batsman in the world today, Kohli recently became the first Indian as well as the first Asian captain to win a Test series on Australian soil. He also created history by becoming the first player to clinch the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Cricketer of the Year, the ICC Men’s Test Player of the Year and the ICC ODI Player of the Year awards in the same year.
Terming Kohli’s journey as inspirational, former Australia opener Matthew Hayden while speaking to Star Sports said: "I think it's his [Virat Kohli's] emotion... there's a strong set of belief that a leader has to be clinical and almost take emotions out of it to a degree. His emotions... the fact that he is high energy... that inspires his teammates in terms of work ethics, and trying and winning games for their country.
"From the U-19 set up to the World Cup which is happening in two month's time, it's been an inspirational journey. You can see that growth and maturity but also not lose the essence of who he is -- an emotional character," he added.
Legendary India batsman Sunil Gavaskar also hailed Virat Kohli, saying that the Delhi lad has worked extremely hard to get where he is in international cricket.
"I think the man has matured so much. He is the best batsman in the world, by a distance. I know Williamson, Steve Smith and Joe Root are getting close, but you know, Virat is up there in all formats. Not just Test cricket," Gavaskar asserted.
"That is where that progress has been phenomenal. In 2009, he probably wasn't the best batsman in that U-19 team. The way he has developed... he has made lifestyle changes. His cricket can get better. He has realised that to play for the country is a privilege that only very few get. You have got to work extremely hard for it. You have got to have a little bit of luck, but he has worked extremely hard for it. He leads by example as far as work ethic is concerned. I think, therefore, the success that he has got is very very well deserved," he further remarked.
As far as Kohli’s overall batting credentials are concerned – he has amassed 6613 runs in 77 Tests with 25 centuries while his ODI runs tally read 10577 from 223 matches including 39 tons. The Indian captain is the only batsman in the world to have an average of 50+ across all three formats.
