<p><img style="float: left;" title="Ian Chappell" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2023/aug/ian-vi_e.jpg" alt="Ian Chappell" width="150" height="86" />Virat Kohli succeeded <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/news/opinion/article/david-warners-ebullient-style-is-presently-unique-23303358" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Sachin Tendulkar</a> as India&rsquo;s champion batsman which is appropriate as they are both generational talents.</p>
<p>It&rsquo;s even more applicable because while they are Indian icons both etched their name on world consciousness by performing heroic deeds in Australia.</p>
<p>Tendulkar cemented his name in the worldwide consciousness with two marvellous centuries in Australia in 1992. The first one, 148 not out at the <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/news/opinion/article/will-they-live-to-regret-it-23300735" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Sydney Cricket Ground</a>, was a brilliant knock in any terms, but for a player of 18 years, it was exceptional.</p>
<h2>Bouncy Aussie tracks&nbsp;</h2>
<p>When he followed it with a brilliant 114 on the bouncy Perth pitch against a talented Australian pace attack, it ensured the name Tendulkar was going to shine brightly for years to come. A short man at such a young age was not supposed to treat renowned pace bowlers with such ease and score so prolifically off the back foot.</p>
<p>In 2012, with the evergreen Tendulkar still plying his trade, Kohli showed glimpses of his talent (also at the WACA ground) with a promising double of 44 and 75. His skilful batting against a good Australian pace attack hinted at his talent and suggested if he then followed it with an innings of substance in Adelaide,&nbsp;<br />India may have unearthed another gem.</p>
<p>When Kohli did produce an excellent century in Adelaide as others around him failed, it was widely accepted he would be the next outstanding Indian batsman.</p>
<p>Appropriately, two years later at the Adelaide Oval, the newly appointed Indian captain scored two sublime centuries to almost snatch a memorable victory for his side. Kohli&rsquo;s second innings 141 in particular, on a pitch that encouraged spin, was a masterpiece and with a little more help from his teammates would have resulted in a spectacular Indian victory.</p>
<p>Just as compelling was his refusal to play for a draw. When Kohli said after the match that he felt success was more likely if he continued to bat aggressively he won acclaim for his positive approach.</p>
<p>A few years later, when Kohli said in a radio interview that he didn&rsquo;t play &ldquo;fancy shots&rdquo; in Test cricket because he didn&rsquo;t want to adversely effect his technique, it was clear he was a master batsmen who understood his trade.</p>
<p>The fact that Kohli in his prime achieved the incredible feat of averaging fifty in all three forms of the game, validated his theory.</p>
<p>While Kohli&rsquo;s team lost that 2014-15 series two-nil they returned four years later to clinch an unexpected 2 -1 victory. They then confirmed their class two years later with a similar gutsy win, albeit though Kohli returned home for the birth of his first child after India&rsquo;s ignominious loss in the first Test.</p>
<p>Kohli proved to be a very capable captain and with hard fought victories in Australia and UK became known as a leader for all conditions.</p>
<p>Despite his emotional approach, he succeeded as captain because the team were fully behind him and wanted to perform for their leader. Kohli&rsquo;s attitude in always pushing for victory from the opening delivery of a Test played a large part in engaging his teammates.</p>
<p>He also endeared himself by not asking the team to do anything he wouldn&rsquo;t attempt himself. His fitness, exemplified by his demanding running between wickets, was a highlight of his exemplary example.</p>
<h2>That Adelaide 2014 ton</h2>
<p>Despite Kohli&rsquo;s amazing record and his strong leadership it was that second innings century in Adelaide that cemented his undoubted skill.</p>
<p>He hit 16 fours and one six and scored at the superb rate of 80 runs per 100 balls on a pitch that suited Nathan Lyon&rsquo;s sharp turning off-breaks. His ability to successfully play the cover drive&mdash;the toughest shot for a right-hander on a turning pitch&mdash;was exceptional and severely frustrated Australia&rsquo;s charge for victory.<br />Kohli will be remembered for many exceptional feats as both a batsman and successful captain. However, for me, it was those two innings at Adelaide Oval,&nbsp;<br />especially the second one, that left a lasting impression of Kohli&rsquo;s extraordinary skill.</p><p>
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Despite his emotional approach, Virat Kohli succeeded as captain because the Indian team were fully behind him and wanted to perform well for their captain

Exemplary example

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Exemplary example

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