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Writer's pictureHans Ebert

KING KOHLI AND THE SUNDANCE KID


It’s been some years since I choked up watching a sport. The last time might have been when Roger Federer gave a post match speech that had even him in tears.


For myself, there I was channel surfing between the horse racing at Shatin and watching the third day of the first Test between India and Australia being played in Perth and where Virat Kohli had just reached his century. 



This was a special century from the great 36 year old Indian cricketer, who some were thinking was past his prime and should retire graciously.


Though having had sporting heroes- Ayrton Senna, Bjorn Borg, Agassi, Muhammad Ali, Tiger Woods, Roger Federer, cricketers Adam Gilchrist and Shane Warne, there’s always been something special about Virat Kohli.


Maybe it was meeting him and his wife Anushka and realising that he really is a nice guy with genuine humility.


Watching him play, he’s always been a team player even when captaining India. He exudes confidence and respect and never resorts to grandstanding and finding excuses when his team loses or he hasn’t played a good enough innings by his own lofty standards.


During this innings in Perth and before he reached his milestone century, he was happy to play a supporting role to Yashasvi Jaiswal, the brilliant 22 year old batter who was giving a masterclass in restraint and aggression during his time at the crease and on his way to amassing 161 runs.



Virat Kohli dedicating his century to his wife and mentioning her unwavering support in everything he has been going through was a class act. It hit home.


It was something that reminded me to thank those important few who offer emotional support- and not take it for granted.


It’s easy to say that sports creates teamwork and brings people together. But seeing it actually happen taps into something very personal in you- and the emotional floodgates open up for reasons you can’t put into words.

 

If only all those warring world “leaders” and bully boys were to play a sport against each other for something agreed to by the people of the world, and where the loser leaves forever, we just might have a better and more peaceful world.


 



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