Stats don’t lie – The ones that scream are what matter
Mitra-bheda, The Separation of Friends
A friendship arises between the lion Pingalaka, the king of the forest, and Sañjvaka, a bull. Karataka ('Horribly Howling') and Damanaka ('Victor') are two jackals that are retainers to the lion king. Against Karataka's advice, Damanaka breaks up the friendship between the lion and the bull out of jealousy.
"Virat's success does not surprise you. His failures do."- Sanjay Manjrekar
I am not a very hungover person for statistics. However, we all know that every fight can be won or lost with a knockout punch - data. The separation of fans from different clubs and national teams is visibly noticeable in nooks, corners and on the social media where you will often find statistics being the norm to fight their battle for bragging rights.
Nonetheless, we do know that some facts could be interpreted to malign the best so I advise a pinch of salt while I attempt to quote some myself.
Of course, there is no one in the history of sports who has never lost, except maybe for Floyd Mayweather, but pardon me for not giving due credit there because I’m not convinced a sport where a set of judges calling every point is just.
Statistics are important indicators when you can truly capture the fact that a man or woman has outdone his peers by performing at higher levels consistently over a reasonable period. Usain Bolt, holder of the 100m, 200m, 4X100m Olympic gold medals, completing a triple-triple at the IAAF championships, adjudged the Laureus World Player for 3 years in a row across all sports makes it quite clear that in this decade there is nobody who has dominated his sport more than Bolt.
Virat Kohli – The number 1 ranked T20 batsman is way in front of his peers. His batting average in T20s is a monumental 58.6 with the nearest a country mile away - Finch (38.9), Duminy (38.4). This stat alone is as confounding as the one that Novak Djokovic currently holds – having more ATP points (15,550) than the sum of his nearest two competitors , Murray (7.925) and Federer (7,535).
He is the all-time highest averaging run machine for India in ODIs at 51.5, closest being MS Dhoni (50.8), Sachin (44.8). He is the no.1 high scoring chaser in ODIs of all time. Scores a 100 every 6.3 chases, the closest being Trescothick (9.3) and Dilshan (9.89)
Let us move on, shall we?
Never give up – An inch for an inch
Kkolkyam, Of Crows and Owls
Traditional enemies, the crows and the owls are at war. One of the crows pretends to be an outcast from his own group to gain entry into the rival owl group; he learns their secrets and vulnerabilities. He later summons his group of crows to set fire to all entrances to the cave where the owls live and the creatures suffocate to death.
“You can’t be serious, man. YOU CANNOT BE SERIOUS! That ball was on the line! Chalk flew up! It was clearly in! You guys are the absolute pits of the world…” The wildflower, John McEnroe who played with his heart on his sleeve, and his mind on his tongue, often treading on the edge of right and wrong. You can question the lack of the judgement and control, but what you cannot question is the intent and indomitable fire to win at any cost.
Playing hard and showing the world who you are in the heat of the moment makes one an endearing warrior. I have always found the calmness of MSD, the stone-walled intensity of Dravid and Steve Waugh, the casual “all-under-control boys” attitude of Azhar, to have their desired effect on the team.
However, there is an incomplete emotional connect with the viewer. Virat leaves nothing out there. His decision-making and combative conversations are as enthralling as Vladimir Putin going head on with any being in his way.
Virat is the master of run chases. He holds the bull by its horns and by god does he never let go. A century every six chases, far better than anyone else speaks volumes of his ability to sprint towards the target like a man possessed. I have seen it in Novak’s eyes, the desire to chase every ball like a rabid hungry dog running after a bone.
"Kohli is the next chosen one. He exudes the intensity of Dravid, the audacity of Sehwag and the extraordinary range of Tendulkar. That doesn't make him better, simply sui generis, his own unique kind."
— Former New Zealand captain Martin Crowe on Kohli
As time goes by, his attitude will mature and exude an orderly fire, be rest assured you will know what is on his mind just by looking at his eyes. Such raw and real intensity cannot and should not be doused; you must let it burn so bright that the enemy sees it from a mile away.
Virat is the Novak of cricket. He eats right and treats his workouts very seriously. They prepare as if they are going into the boxing ring to fight a bull and then knock out mere mortals.
The hours of work put in behind the scenes makes it possible for these men to compete like beasts. It is an undeniable factor of results and the great performers are aware of the inches, the inches that allow them to cross the finish line.
Je ne sais quoi – A marketable dream
Labdhapraam, Loss of Gains
The story tells of a symbiotic relationship between the monkey and the crocodile. The crocodile risks the liaison by conspiring to acquire the heart of the monkey to heal his wife. When the monkey finds out the plan, he avoids the grim fate.
In today’s world, a sportsman or woman does not simply play a sport; they wear outfits that are covered wholly by logos of brands and organizations that ride on the popularity of the player to promote their business. One might think it’s all hunky dory but my sense is that at times the enormous fervor around young and upcoming players can ride them off the cliff.
Stories of drugs, match fixing and alcoholism have nipped many a career in the bud. A champion player does not necessarily revel in front of the camera. There are some who even shy away completely and then are some who look like they born in front of one.
People Magazine voted David Beckham the sexist man in 2015. Cristiano Ronaldo is known to be a treat to the fairer sex’ sore eyes. The panache and machismo come naturally to some of the larger than life celebrities. Some crave the attention and bask in the sunshine, loving every moment. It requires a certain something, je ne sais quoi…
Virat Kohli matches his on-field displays with a presence in front of the cameras and on social media. He was ranked no.2 most marketable sportsman in 2014 across all sports. He is the definition of a superstar in the Indian marketing world, having overtaken Sachin and MS Dhoni. The above list took into account sports players from all over the world.
Multi-million deals with MRF, Adidas, Boost & Pepsi who have handed the baton from Sachin to Virat. Owner of a clothing brand, FC Goa and the UAE Royals. His garage is lined up with an Audi, a Lamborghini Gallardo, a Range Rover among others.
The waves are truly full power. I only hope that the cynics go easy on the man when times are tough. Winter will come and when it does the accusations of distractions will be all that hits the front pages and that will be the true test of a champion.
Desire to play: The temple and home as one
Aparkitakraka, Hasty Action
A Brahman leaves his child with a mongoose friend. When he returns, he sees blood on the mongoose's mouth, and kills his friend, believing the animal killed his child. The Brahman discovers his child alive, and learns that the mongoose defended the child from a snake. He regrets having killed his friend.
A story that teaches us one thing. To peacefully put away unimaginable disappointment and move on to the performing arts. Not easy when you are in the public eye and your personal life is suddenly not so personal.
"The way I approached the game changed that day. I just had one thing in my mind - that I have to play for my country and live that dream for my dad." – Kohli;s father died at 3 AM and he turned up to play the same morning for Delhi.
The story is eerily similar to how Sachin dealt with his father’s demise. Returned back to India colors immediately in the 1999 world cup and scored an emotionally heightened century in the first match after.
Another common thread is the fact that they are looked at as the solitary flag bearers in the Indian line up and face the pressure of a billion and more fanatical supporters every time they walk out to bat. Any sign of weakness in them and the entire team is at risk of crumbling.
To be able to put aside the pressure and continue to play your natural game is something that tests the best. Often the game becomes more than what it is and strangles your core belief. Vilifying accusations bordering on violence and character assassination in this cricket-mad country. Take for example Anushka Sharma alluded to be the main reason why India did not win the world cup.
Being on the ground makes these players feel at home and forget the world for just a little while. The thousands of hours over years of struggle through the ranks brings with it a connection that is almost like family. A zone where the mind is at ease and one with the faith. The immersion in the game itself allows the players to move on from personal losses.
True humility is contentment
Mitra-samprpti, The Gaining of Friends
Seeing the favour the rat performed to free the dove (or pigeon) and her companions, a crow decides to befriend the rat, despite the rat's initial objections. The storyline evolves as their friendship grows to include the turtle and the fawn. They collaborate to save the fawn when he is trapped, and later they work together to save the turtle, who falls in the trap.
This is the hardest of the goals to achieve for a sportsman. To fight battles long and hard with your competitors and yet earn their respect off the field.
The unspoken demand to display genuine humility and take time to give back to the sport, to individuals who are suffering from life-threatening diseases, to the fans who would give anything they have to speak to you or click a photo with, to remembering friends and still be there for them, to make proud their parents.
"My approach to cricket has been reasonably simple: it was about giving everything to the team, it was about playing with dignity and it was about upholding the spirit of the game. I hope I have done some of that. I have failed at times, but I have never stopped trying. It is why I leave with sadness but also with pride." - Rahul Dravid
Dravid spoke in a way that reflected his character as much as the occasion. There were jokes, but only a handful, echoing the studious nature of the man. More abundant were thoughtful, considered observations, sculpted with care and precision like so many of Dravid's strokes for India in Test matches over the past 15 years – Australian media after Rahul Dravid speech at the annual Bradman Oration.
“That’s how it all started with me. I would ride my bike from home – about five to 10 minutes away – and I was a ballboy here all day long and would go back home and do it again the next day. So I always have a tradition where everyone has a pizza with me after the final. It’s been 11 times now. I do it win or lose, regardless," – Roger Federer
Virat Kohli’s aggressive streak and edgy attitude do not go well with some who mistake it for hostility. He leaves no stone unturned on the field and sometimes emotions spill over.
I know it takes time but I think I have matured enough to start an organization for children who cannot afford education or play any sport,” he said. “If I am able to inspire kids to achieve something, that will be my biggest achievement” – Virat Kohli
All said and done, while he has of late started to be adored by his fans and respected by his peers for his spirit and personality only once the shadows start setting on his career will we be able to truly take stock of whether the humility matched up to his sporting prowess.
Till then, sit back on your chairs and enjoy what is hopefully the beginning of a magical era – King Kohli is here to stay.
Brand-new app in a brand-new avatar! Download CricRocket for fast cricket scores, rocket flicks, super notifications and much more! 🚀☄️
