Virat Kohli (Image credit: BCCI/IPL)
Almost two years after quitting T20Is and a year after bidding farewell to Tests, Virat Kohli continues to show that competitive spirit burns undiminished.After successive ducks briefly fielded questions, he responded Wednesday night in the only way he knows how — with an exchange of statements. And not just any innings, but an unbeaten 105 off 60 balls to guide Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a six-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in a 193-run chase. This was the chase master at his most famous and menacing – composed at the start, merciless once the required rate climbed and rock solid through the mid-turns when the contest threatened to shift. Kohli brought up his ninth IPL century in 58 deliveries but the landmark barely broke his rhythm. The pace never dropped, the intent never wavered.“The celebration was not big because we know the importance of points,” Kohli said after guiding RCB to the top of the table. “The fact that I didn’t score eats at me because I played well. It bothers you because that was the goal – to be the best version. Century or no century, it’s more important to finish the game.” After a brief lull, a touch of nerves might have been inevitable. Instead, the former RCB captain accepted the pressure.“There’s a reason why people say pressure is a privilege – it keeps you humble. Good pressure always helps you improve your game. A couple of games that don’t go your way, you feel a little nervous and that helps. It takes a lot of effort, but it helps you move up. Those setbacks are important.”This was the vintage Kohli show in Raipur. He timed the ball with precision and collected singles and doubles with the same intensity that had long defined his batting. “Just my position at the crease, not doing anything extravagant and supporting my game. Picking the length, hitting the gaps I can hit,” Kohli said after hitting his 10th T20 century – the most by an Indian in the format.And yet, beneath the calm and after the record-breaking knock, there remains the hunger that has always driven the IPL’s highest-limit players. “I just love batting,” he said. “It’s an honor to compete at this level and against the best. I’m putting my heart and soul out there because it’s going to end one day.”“I want to make the most of it and look forward to the pressure situations where I feel a bit hot and then I challenge myself to just go for it. Sports teaches you a lot. Even after all these years, it’s the love of the game. I love hitting the ball in the middle of the bat. The joy is still there,” Kohli said.
