Karma Kohli: Virat’s Ranchi blitz is an essay in commitment

 VIRAT KOHLI had a poor start to his comeback quest in Australia. He failed to get off the mark, and a number of questions were asked about whether he still had the game or the passion for it. In the last match in Sydney, he showed glimpses of returning to his groove and played a big part in India’s win. But many questions remained unanswered, and it was essential that Kohli turn up in Ranchi fully prepared and raring to go. He did and played a magical hand of 135, putting all debate to rest.

Virat Kohli is arguably the greatest white-ball player of all time. Not just for the 52 hundreds he has scored or the countless matches he has won. But also for the intensity he brings to the table. Let me give a couple of instances from the Ranchi game.

Kohli was getting some back spasms late into his innings. It is very natural for someone who hasn’t had much game time recently. The physio was asked to come out and tend to him and he was down on the field taking a short massage. The moment the physio was done with his work, Kohli literally jumped up and started running towards the batting crease. No one could have understood that the man had been suffering from cramps.

Also, once he took guard there was nothing of the cramps. He just tormented the South African bowlers and raced off after scoring the century. At one point, 200 seemed to be on and had Kohli stayed on for five more overs, he would have surely got close.

The second instance was when he was fielding at short mid-wicket. The batter had flicked the ball to the left of Kohli and he set off to save the single in a nano-second. Yet, he was a fraction late and despite putting in the dive, the ball eluded him. Even before the deep fielder had picked up the ball, he was back in his position. It was supreme fitness and commitment rolled into one and for every aspiring cricketer a lesson in commitment.

Now, to the elephant in the room. Can Kohli play World Cup 2027? While it is too early to comment on this issue, suffice to say that he wants to. Otherwise, there is no incentive left for him to play a few bilateral series. He doesn’t need the money. Nor does he have anything to prove to anyone. The only incentive is to win World Cup 2027, which explains his commitment to the format.

If he bats like the way he has in the last ODI in Australia or the way he did in Ranchi, there is no way anyone can even discuss his spot in the side. His stroke-making has been sublime and his game sense, brilliant. He has been a study in mental strength. It can’t be easy if you are playing just one format, and yet Kohli has done so to perfection in Ranchi. Against a very good South African attack, he managed to play every shot in his repertoire and it was a batting masterclass that every fan of his would savour for a long time.

All of this point to the fact that he could well be around for the next two years. While it is a very long time and much can happen in the 24 months, it does seem that Kohli will continue to have the game. If he doesn’t pick up an injury, he could well be headed to South Africa in 2027. Before that, however, he will get to play against New Zealand in January and England in England in July. I can well imagine the fanfare with Kohli at Lord’s. He wasn’t there for India’s Test series against England and it could well be the last time that Lord’s gets to celebrate the best ever white-ball player of all time.

To all his fans, enjoy as long as it lasts. The aftertaste will give you a good feel.