This century feels personal
I’m not a fan of Kohli. I admire him for the talent he is and the achievements he has accomplished in his 14-year career. Regardless, I never rooted for him which only made worse by Kohli FC. But the past two years (1019 days to be precise) couldn’t be worse for someone who has travelled through the zenith for majority of his career.
The amount of trolls and criticism that Kohli received from across the globe are innumerous. To think of it, I guess my softspot for Kohli increased with this ruthless targetting from media and the naysayers. Yes, I myself have made fun of him and I truly doubted whether he would reach his 71st or see another peak before he hangs his boots.
I love Indian cricket team which means I love almost all the players when they play for India. I'm the most positive person when it comes to ICT that one might think I'm deluded for keeping exceptional beliefs on the team to achieve the unthinkable. Having said so, I truly doubt the dressing environment that Kohli was in the past two years.
The bizarre rests from game to game, the "rift" rumours that keep popping up every now and then, the constant nagging and expectations from critics, fans to keep up with the standard he's set in, the captaincy pressure and the inability to win ICC trophy despite having a strong core. These things eventually weighed in which made him step down from captaincy from all 3 formats and even in IPL in a span of a year. This just proves that everyone's out for themselves and people are ready to poach on you just the moment you slip.
Gladly, Kohli has a perfectly functional support system in the form of his family. Albeit all these negativity that vultured him, the family was the main reason he was able to stay sane without losing hope. Even today when speaking in the presentation ceremony, Kohli mentioned Anushka Sharma who put things in perspective for him, kept him relaxed and guided him through the tough days. It's truly a gift to have such an understanding partner.
This century feels personal. 'cause of the reason that Kohli has outgrown his fandom. Yes there are mad fanatics and blind haters. But the majority has acknowledged his greatness. Nobody questions his capacity anymore. We have seen him do that 70 times previously. So everytime he fails, it's disappointing. When a person who has seen unimaginable peak is wallowing in misery hits hard on us. We wouldn't want to see that happen to our enemies.
Besides the potential achievement and all, he's a great guy on and off the field. The vigor that he brings in while on the vibe and the positive vibe he brings off the field made him more loveable over the years. Hence when he finally launched the ball from Fareed Ahmed across the midwicket boundary for a six and reached the century, it felt surreal for each and every fan who has been patiently waiting. It's as if Andy from The Shawshank Redemption jumps in joy in rain when he finally breaks the prison after 19 years.
Kohli is wholesome. Here's to wishing for more centuries and eventual laurels in the reminder of his career.
