Questioning the abilities of world-class cricketers can often seem absurd, yet it happens. In the world of sports, a saying resonates: “Form is temporary, class is permanent.” Simply put, true legends may face temporary setbacks, but their return is inevitable and often spectacular. No one embodies this maxim better than India’s batting maestro, Virat Kohli.
After bidding farewell to Test cricket and T20 Internationals, doubts surrounded Kohli’s future even in the one-day format. Both the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the team’s coach, Gautam Gambhir, were cautious about placing too much reliance on the superstar. Questions loomed over whether Kohli and fellow experienced opener Rohit Sharma should be central to India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Despite the swirl of scepticism, Kohli responded in a manner only he could. He silenced critics not with words, but with his bat. Following back-to-back ducks on the Australia tour, many prematurely predicted the decline of his career.
Yet Kohli’s comeback was nothing short of regal. He followed up with scores of 74*, 135, and 102. Against South Africa, he notched consecutive centuries, reaffirming his status as one of cricket’s finest. Social media exploded with praise from former cricketers and fans alike.
Legendary opener Virender Sehwag lauded Kohli’s insatiable appetite for centuries: “Virat’s obsession with hundreds is unmatched. Back-to-back centuries, his 53rd ODI ton — everything is possible with him.” Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan added: “He plays like a king on Sunday but knows how to align with your plans on any other day. An extraordinary hundred from Kohli.”
Mohammad Kaif perhaps summed it up best: “Cricket without Kohli is nothing… he is pure vintage.” Even World Cup-winning Indian women cricketer, Pritika Rawal, commented, “Form is fleeting, Kohli is eternal.”
Kohli has always thrived against South Africa, boasting 1,741 runs in 33 ODIs at an average of 69.64, including seven centuries. He now holds the record for the most ODI centuries against the Proteas. The series, currently tied 1-1, will conclude in the upcoming third ODI, which many are already calling an unofficial final. Amidst all the excitement, Kohli and his bat continue to capture the hearts of Indian cricket fans like nothing else.