13 reasons why we love Virat Kohli

Captain of one of the most successful Indian teams in the history of the game. Our very own King, who started as Cheeku, has completed 13 years in international cricket. While we can’t stop gushing over the fact that one of the greatest batters of all time, Virat Kohli, leads the challenger spirit at RCB, it’s the best time to remember 13 reasons why we absolutely love him

Playing Bold since 2008

When Virat Kohli won the U-19 World Cup for Team India he was a kid who had big dreams and he was willing to pursue those dreams in a manner never heard before in Indian cricket. While Indian cricket was on the rise, Virat jumped on the bus and gave it his all to blend and be a part of the system. When he became the skipper that did not change his mindset, rather he made a team that is conquering the world over.

The captain

We can’t summarize how good a captain Virat has been. It’s not always about the results, it’s about the leader who leads the bunch of hopefuls. His pep talks in the huddle. With his shielding of players in the media, Virat has been an exemplary skipper both for Team India as well as Royal Challengers Bangalore.

The batsmen the world needs

His hunger for runs. The way he crushes milestones and sets new targets for himself is unbelievable. The king’s penchant for hitting hundreds have put him the league of record-holders already. There’s hardly any batter in the world who can come close to Virat Kohli when it comes to being a complete all-format batsman.

The transformer

The chiselled jawline under an immaculately maintained beard was not gifted to him by the Greek Gods; Virat has worked for them. Sacrificed his favourite foods and spent hours in the gym. His dedication towards fitness has ushered in a revolution in Indian cricket that was unfathomable a decade ago.  

Test cricket connoisseur

We all enjoyed the win at Gabba earlier this year and Lord’s a few days back. But how is an Asian team beating these giants in their backyard? It’s because Virat Kohli has made it a mission to keep India the best Test side in the world. When the skipper is such a big Test cricket fan, the troops follow and culture develops, something that is apparent in the results.

Giving it back in style

No cricketer can claim that he got away by rubbing Virat the wrong way. When you have the responsibilities of a billion hopeful people, you got to be strong enough in your head to stand up to any adversities, even it comes in the form of a verbal diatribe. Virat loves dominating the opposition even in verbal duels and we love that side of him.

The one who cares

Not just a captain of a cricket team but a humanitarian as well. Virat’ charity works have inspired this generation to care for others. His initiatives during the COVID-19 crisis allowed us a peek into his gentle heart.

The role model

Is not he for most of the batsmen coming up the ranks? They want to bat like him, train like him, follow his game ethics. A true cricket icon in every sense who is constantly inspiring and guiding the new crop of cricketers.

The style icon

The King on social media. Brands want to work with Virat Kohli because he is the biggest influencer of our times. What he wears, how he looks, it’s all something that youngsters have a craze for.

The humble modesty

In an interview, Virat confessed he still liked visiting a small eatery in West Delhi to have his favourite dish. Now for a cricketer like him who has his own restaurant, how sweet was that confession. But such is our captain!

The go-getter

Setting up targets and demolishing them as a team. His honesty about those he has not been able to achieve make him the cricketer he is. Never shy of a challenge Virat, after these 13 years in international cricket, continues to be a go-getter.

Team man

Watch him talk about his fellow cricketers, for example, Rohit Sharma. His praise for them, how they add value to his side and how he cares for them tells you that the skipper is a team man who is never short of crediting his players for all the success his side gets.

The friend

One that we have been fortunate enough to observe closely at RCB – his bonhomie with AB de Villiers. Virat is a friend you want to have. His childlike innocence in friendship, his knack of pulling pranks, his humour in the group… Virat is not just a cricketer and the captain, he is the friend in the group people adore.

There are a thousand other things about Virat Kohli that we absolutely love but since we want him to complete at least another 13 years in international cricket, we will stop here, hoping that we get to add to the list in the years to come.