Virat Kohli and Co. has ended the 2016/17 home season on a great note after defeating Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy by 2-1 and while the series had its share of controversies, it will always be remembered as a hard fought victory.
The Indian team has got a lot more than just records the season as players from every department, whether we talk about bowling or the men with blades, have flourished as well as matured, getting to know what Cricket is all about.
They lost, came under pressure and then registered a never seen comeback. There is not a single Test playing nation that Indian has not defeated and the team now holds a trophy against every other competitor. From New Zealand to England to the Aussies, every team has tasted dust on Indian turf and Virat Kohli couldn’t have asked for more after becoming the full-time captain of the Indian side.
Throughout the 13-test home season, Virat Kohli has won 10 games, faced a draw twice and lost only to Australia in Pune. The Indian team have retained the ICC Test Championship and pocketed a $1 million cash reward after cementing their numero uno ranking with a seventh series victory in a row.
Now it’s time for the Indian Premier League and Champions Trophy is also standing outside the door to welcome Virat Kohli & Co. If he was the Virat Kohli we saw under the leadership of MS Dhoni, he might have let his guard down and celebrate the glorious season but the skipper has matured in the last couple of years and has already started planning for the away season.
During the post-match presentation, when asked about the celebrations, he said, “It’s a classic case of understanding that this is not the end of anything. No need to get over-excited with whatever we have done. We are very happy with number one ranking in the world but our main challenge begins now. If we can conquer the overseas season, that’s when you will see a broader smile on my face when I sit down for the press conference.”
Virat Kohli also thinks that the current Indian team have all the necessary resources needed in the bowling department and is confident that they can perform in away conditions too.
India has also got a solution to one of their biggest worries in the form of KL Rahul and Murali Vijay, who have given a good start to the Indian batting innings on several occasions and the lower order, which was well-known for giving wickets quickly, has also started contributing to the overall score.
Critics have always questioned India’s ability to perform overseas and the fact that they haven’t registered good numbers outside India, also made matters worse for the Virat Kohli-led team. We know it, they have taken it as a challenge and the whole Indian side is all set to conquer the world now.
There is just countable captain who have been able to do so and Virat Kohli, with his pace attack, disciplined spin, sensible handle-bearers and power hitters is eyeing to take the game to the next level.
P.S The skipper will also need to focus on his personal performance as the series against Australia has been the worst one for him in the home season. If he wants his team mates to carry on the momentum, then he needs to do the same as well.