Virat Kohli celebrates with the Indian flag after the team defeated South Africa in the ICC T20 World Cup final in Barbados on June 29, 2024
| Photo Credit: K.R. Deepak

Virat Kohli’s first T20I came more than 14 years ago on the tour of Zimbabwe. He made an unbeaten 26 off 21 in Harare to see India home in a 112-run chase. He batted at No. 5 then.

Fast forward to 2024 and Kohli has decided to hang up his boots from the shortest format after becoming one of the most influential No. 3 batters in the game. He had endured a difficult World Cup in the Americas, with only 75 runs in seven innings before his 76 in the final lifted India to 176 for seven. He made sure India had enough to put up a fight. Like he did all those years ago, as a 21-year-old.

Kohli not only had the runs but also the artistry. He always had an aggressive body language and a defiant shrug in the face of the most hostile bowling, riling up the opposition further. His tenure in T20Is, both as a batter and as a captain, symbolised India’s transformation.

Kohli’s greatest asset in white-ball cricket was his ability to break down targetss, earning him the sobriquet of ‘ultimate chase master’.

But the rapid evolution of T20st caught up with him. The demand for higher strike-rates and a less risk approach meant his recent years were a slow burn; it had occasional sparks of brilliance like his 53-ball 82 against Pakistan in Melbourne (2022) and the 59-ball 76 against South Africa in Barbados on Sunday.

At 35, he relentlessly pushed himself to meet modern T20 demands, showcasing his hunger to be the best. This relentless pursuit will be his lasting T20 legacy.

RCB’s Virat Kohli also didn’t forget to mention that whether it is cricket in the Olympic programme or T20 World Cup in the USA, he is ‘The Face’.
| Photo Credit: Murali Kumar K

Virat Kohli didn’t say it in as many words but sent out a loud message to all who would care to listen — he is not done with T20 cricket when the establishment still considers him to be the most marketable name to promote the game globally.

Kohli, who took a two-month paternity break, scored a match-winning 77 off 49 balls with 11 fours and two sixes and also didn’t forget to mention that whether it is cricket in the Olympic programme or T20 World Cup in the USA, he is ‘The Face’.

“I know my name is now attached to just promoting the game in different parts of the world when it comes to T20 cricket. I’ve still got it I guess,” he smiled cheekily but the message was for those who would debate his spot in the T20 World Cup squad.

While he has now briefly got the Orange Cap, he said that he is past that stage where these things matter anymore.

“I don’t play for these Caps anymore. That’s the promise I can give here — I’ll keep turning up and keep trying me best.” He was a trifle disappointed that he couldn’t finish the game.

“I try to give the team a blazing start, but if wickets fall, you have to assess. Wasn’t the usual flat pitch. Disappointed I couldn’t finish the game. The ball was in the slot but sliced it to deep point.” He has started hitting the lofted cover drive and it is his constant endeavour to evolve as a batter.

“They know I play the cover drive well, so they’re not going to allow me to hit gaps. You have to come up with a game plan here and there.” For the RCB fans, he still is and will remain the ‘King’.

“It’s been going on for years (love story with the fans at Chinnaswamy). People talk about a lot of other things when you play sport — achievement, stats, numbers.

“But when you look back, it’s the memories you create as Rahul bhai (Dravid) always tells us that this time will not come back.

“The love, appreciation and backing I’ve received has been amazing.” The two month paternity break also gave him a chance to lead a normal life and a “chance to spend time and connect” with his elder child – daughter Vamika.

“Just to feel normal for two months — for me, my family — it was a surreal experience. Couldn’t have been more grateful to God for the opportunity to spend time with the family. It’s an amazing experience to just be another person on the road and not be recognised. Then you come here and you hear them shout your name and you are switched on.”