#IndVsPak final: Why Pakistan fears India's batting and Kohli's leadership
Virat Kohli chants a new mantra these days, it’s called the Art of Leading. Angry, bold, brazen, someone who expects 100 per cent from his teammates, this was Kohli the skipper till recently when he led in all formats.
As India face Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy final at The Oval on Sunday, Kohli is now a phlegmatic leader. He has shed the tag of what Amitabh Bachchan was in old Bollywood movies – angry young man. Instead, Kohli has now shown inner calm and a tranquil approach which has helped him stay cool as a leader.
With so much control over his emotions, the skipper has been able to keep his boys focused and not let pressure get to them. “Just another match,” has been Kohli’s quote on the eve of India’s big matches in the Champions Trophy.
At first, it seemed Kohli was saying this because he did not want the hype and pressure get to the relatively younger players in the side. Now, it’s clear, Kohli’s Art of Leading focuses on not getting worked up, but keeping things simple and not letting the situation get the better of players. In a way, playing away from the pressure at home could have made this possible, but the new face of Kohli is something we need to appreciate.
For almost three weeks, since the time the Indian team left for England, there was negative energy surrounding the camp. More of it had to do with coach Anil Kumble and how people inside the dressing room were not liking Jumbo. Suddenly, the dressing room has gone silent, and we can hear Kohli speak clearly, of how this team wants to deliver on the field.
Kohli has talked of captaincy being simple and he was magnanimous enough to tell the media what kind of a rapport he shares with former India captain MS Dhoni. Against Bangladesh, it was clear on television, Kohli and Dhoni were there to give instructions. This was very different from the cliché we have heard – too many cooks spoil the broth.
At a time when sections of the media have been speculating on the longevity and utility of Dhoni, Kohli has made it clear how much he values his senior teammate. It’s rare to find in a team sport two big stars sharing the leadership. There could be a clash of styles and ideology between the two. On the field, Kohli and Dhoni present a perfect picture which has helped the team play to its potential.
Kohli talked of how before big matches, like the one against Pakistan, it was impossible for the players to fiddle with their technique – batsmen and bowlers. What did he mean? Well, Kohli has merely conveyed a message to his soldiers that on the cricket ground it’s important to stick to the basics and not try anything drastically different.
To be sure, Kohli belongs to the new generation which has not been part of India’s humiliating losses to Pakistan. From the desert duels in Sharjah, where the Indians were taunted each time they walked out of the ground after a loss, to contests in Pakistan, it was tough for those Indian teams to stay calm.
Pakistan is more than keen it can play more cricket with India, as current engagements are there only in ICC events. Till such time as there is mistrust between the two nations and the situation in the Kashmir Valley does not improve, no bilateral sporting ties between the two countries should be allowed.
Kohli is aware, as a leader who influences people in all walks of life, he has to show restraint. That, perhaps, is the reason why he said at Saturday’s press conference how he has shut himself from social media. He is concerned only about playing best from within and ensuring the team is insulated from external factors.
In sport and life at large, the process of learning is an unending one. At the same time, one has to ensure checks and balances, which Kohli has managed to achieve now. Being the Indian cricket captain is a job as tough as leading the country, as reactions from the public can be harsh.
As expected, former cricketers from across the border are trying to whip up passion. Imran Khan is talking of this moment being as big as 1992, when he led Pakistan to the World Cup win in Australia. He feels this is revenge time for Pakistan. Shahid Afridi has written about how Pakistan’s key players need to fire.
Kohli has taken it upon himself like a good mentor and guide to keep the Indian team knitted together. If there was one thing missing, it was runs from his own bat. His failures in India in the series against Australia and the IPL were worrying.
Kohli’s monk-like serenity has helped and the master batsman has struck form and is happy to support his star players – Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan – fire in tandem.
After all, it’s India’s muscular batting which Pakistan fear at the Oval on Sunday.
(Courtesy of Mail Today.)