Make Way, Virat's Here!

When he walked in to bat at Hobart, Indian team was precariously placed at 86 for 2 chasing 320 off 40 overs to win a bonus point and stay alive in the CB Series. He had already made a name for himself by then. With eight hundreds in his kitty in ODIs and his maiden test hundred coming against Australia a month back in Brisbane. Much was expected of him at Hobart. He was expected to support Gambhir and ensure India at least made a fight of it. He did just that and more. He smashed one of the most brutal centuries seen in recent times baring Watson's 185 against Bangladesh. He carted Lasith Malinga for 24 off an over. He scored 133 off 86 balls and India defeated Sri Lanka well within 40 overs and earned the bonus point. Though India got eliminated as Lanka trounced Australia in the following game, India had earned some pride from Kohli's knock and the resultant victory. Things around him began to change. He was named vice captain of the Indian ODI side for the Asia Cup in Bangladesh, a huge promotion for a 23 year old. Fans and supporters have begun to see him as a senior member in the team. He obviously has cemented his place in the side and dismissed competition from his closest rivals Rohit Sharma, Manoj Tiwary.

Come Asia Cup, he alongside Gambhir put on another 200+ stand against Sri Lanka, got to his 10th century and guided India to another win. But what he has done today is magical. After the loss versus Bangladesh, India had to win against Pakistan. Bowlers gave away as many as 329 and Pakistanis made merry of the listless attack. A defeat loomed large. Defeat would've meant elimination. Kohli had different ideas. He, alongside Tendulkar, after Gambhir early exit, put on 133 and in quick time too.  Post Tendulkar's dismissal, Kohli built another fabulous partnership with Rohit Sharma. Both looked to play risk free cricket. Runs came freely. Rohit grew in confidence in Kohli's company and got himself a well made 68. But Kohli on the other end was exhilarating. When bowlers bowled length, he flayed them. If they bowled short, he pulled them. On occasions where they bowled tight, he was at ease while stealing singles too. Score of 330 was overhauled by the Indian with comfortable ease. Kohli scored a magnificent 183 off 148 balls. It's the 5th highest score ever by an Indian in ODIs. Pakistan captain Misbah termed it as one of the best innings he has ever seen. 

In the partnership with Tendulkar today and with Gambhir against Sri Lanka at Dhaka and Hobart, he was the dominant partner. Probably a sign of things to come. He has now taken over the mantle of being India's most consistent and talented batsman in ODIs. His runs tally since 2009 would point towards a batsman who is desperate to prove his worth and has done it flawlessly. 85 matches old in ODIs, Kohli has already registered 11 centuries. Put in perspective of the best ODI batsman ever, Tendulkar scored his first hundred in his 78th match and had 2 hundreds when he had played 85 matches. Kohli is racing ahead of his counterparts from other countries and is now surely THE most exciting young player in international cricket. 

Many more big things await the youngster. He is clearly being trained as a future captain of the side. When India goes into World Cup 2015 in Australia - New Zealand, he is expected to be the mainstay of the Indian batting. Much is said about his temperament and his tendency to spew profanities on field. To me, it's an expression of achievement or frustration of a 23 year old which isn't to be taken that seriously. He is a quick learner, he realises his responsibilities and will mature into a better player and would learn to control his desire to express himself openly.