Virat Kohli: A Paramount knock of a Regal Player, Just Never Doubt Him | Opinion

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There is a saying in Bengali, 'Ostader Maar Sesh Raate', which translates as A master always shows his/her class when it matters the most. You may wonder why am I suddenly resorting to this Bengali idiom while depicting Virat Kohli, well, it is a masterclass indeed.

As long as cricket remains, the clash between India and Pakistan will remain the mother of all clashes. The greatest rivalry - as it is correctly depicted, means the rise of the greatest selves, who showcase their class and smash the myth and the preemptive thoughts.

Virat Kohli has managed to do certainly the same in the Champions Trophy 2025 encounter against the arch-rivals on Sunday. There is something about Pakistan that brings out the best in Virat Kohli. The stage, the pressure, the fierce rivalry-everything aligns perfectly to rekindle his regal touch. And once again, as the doubters whispered about a dip in form, Kohli silenced them in the most fitting way: with a masterclass against the Men in Green.

For years, Kohli has been a nightmare for Pakistan's bowlers. Whether it was the 183-run demolition in the 2012 Asia Cup, the calm and composed knock in the 2016 T20 World Cup, or his breathtaking heroics in the 2022 edition, he has an uncanny ability to rise when it matters most. Even when his bat momentarily goes quiet, Pakistan remains his muse, the opponent against whom he finds his best version.

The hallmark of Kohli's knock was his ability to find boundaries without taking undue risks. The wristy flicks, the crisp cover drives, and the authoritative pulls were all on display. After reaching the milestone of 14,000 ODI runs early in the knock, Kohli continued to play within himself and built his knock perfectly.

The classic cover drive was in the show but he never got carried away. As Virat reached the half-century mark, India needed him to carry along with Shreyas Iyer, and the King did exactly that. The confidence brewed with every passing delivery, as Kohli found his regal touch, feasting the Pakistani bowlers. With the final act nearing, Kohli pulled off a different gear and managed to finish the match with an exquisite boundary, thus registering his 51st ODI century in the process.

With every elegant stroke, Kohli reaffirmed why he remains one of cricket's greatest chasers. He relished the intensity of the contest, feeding off the adrenaline that only an India-Pakistan clash can provide.

As India won yet another ICC tie against Pakistan, they are now on the verge of advancing to the semifinals. All in all, Kohli and his brilliant knock capped off a perfect Sunday in Dubai -just what the billion and a half wished for. And perhaps it's a learning for all, that never doubt a master, he shall always have a trick or two beyond one's realms!