Virat Kohli-A Cricket Giant of the Modern Era

Virat Kohli has never been just a cricketer. He was one of the most dominant players of the last ten years because of his enthusiasm and commitment. Former India captain and coach Ravi Shastri praised Kohli, hailing him as a modern giant. Shastri, besides being a guide, was also a mentor to Kohli, and he had only great words for him as a cricketer in his own league. He was complimenting Kohli on the way he had influenced the game and the way he played cricket differently. Shastri felt that Kohli belonged to a class of cricketers who were quite different from the rest.

There were special dynamics between Kohli and Shastri. They did not only share a professional but also a friendly relationship outside of the cricket circle. Shastri believed their combination was Indian cricket's finest captain-coach duo. The two started way back in 2014, when Kohli assumed the reins of captainship in a series against Australia during Tests. Shastri provided support to Kohli during his transition period amidst the tough moments. Over time, their professional relationship evolved into a long-term friendship. Shastri would talk of Kohli playing cricket like no other Indian player or captain had ever played cricket.

The most memorable moment of their association was the victory in Australia. India won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy consecutively in 2018-19 and 2020-21, the first time an Asian team had won a Test series in Australia. The first series win was especially historic, as India had never achieved that feat before. Although Kohli left the team early during the second series, the foundation he laid played a significant role in the victory. Shastri always acknowledged Kohli’s contributions and leadership in those wins.

Another remarkable achievement during their time together was India's consistent success in Test cricket. Under Kohli’s leadership and Shastri’s guidance, India remained the number one Test team for three years in a row from 2017 to 2019. This achievement was a testament to Kohli’s commitment to the longest format of the game. He took pride in leading the team in a way that put Test cricket at the forefront. Shastri always admired Kohli’s dedication to keeping the traditional format alive and competitive.

The pair also made their mark in limited-overs cricket. One of the memorable moments was India’s 5-1 victory in the ODI series against South Africa in 2018. It was India's first-ever bilateral series win in South Africa after several failed attempts. Kohli’s leadership and Shastri’s strategies worked in harmony, bringing a significant achievement to Indian cricket. Shastri often reflected on how Kohli’s ability to motivate his teammates played a crucial role in such victories.

Their journey also included some tough moments, like the 2019 World Cup semifinal loss. India had topped the league stage but fell short in the knockout game. Despite the setback, Shastri always praised Kohli for leading the team with passion and never letting failures overshadow their progress. Kohli’s determination to keep improving inspired his teammates and set a standard for future players.

Kohli and Shastri’s journey together ended in 2021 when Shastri stepped down as the coach. It also marked the end of Kohli’s stint as the limited-overs captain. Their last assignment together was the Twenty20 World Cup in the UAE. Despite the challenges and the changes that followed, Shastri never stopped appreciating Kohli’s contributions to Indian cricket.

After Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket, Shastri shared a heartfelt message on social media. He called Kohli a modern-day giant and thanked him for the unforgettable memories. Shastri expressed his gratitude for being part of Kohli’s journey and said that he would always cherish those moments. He spoke of Kohli not just as a cricketer but as a person who made a lasting impact on the game.

Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket marked the end of an era. Shastri’s words captured the essence of Kohli’s legacy. He praised Kohli for being a fantastic ambassador for the traditional format and acknowledged the passion with which he played and led the team. Kohli’s contributions went beyond just statistics. He played every match with heart and left behind a legacy of resilience and determination.

Shastri’s admiration for Kohli did not come from just being his coach but also from witnessing his growth as a cricketer and a leader. The respect between them was mutual and genuine. Even after their professional relationship ended, Shastri continued to support Kohli and speak highly of his achievements. Kohli’s journey as a cricketer was marked by his commitment and his desire to push boundaries.

Virat Kohli will never be forgotten as a cricketer who batted with unrivaled passion. His equation with Ravi Shastri formed a valuable page in Indian cricket. The two in tandem scripted history's glory and survived travail with similar tenacity. Kohli saying goodbye to Test cricket leaves behind no shadow over his stature as a colossus of modern-day cricket. Shastri’s words summed it up best when he called Kohli a cricketer who belonged to a different class, someone who made a difference every time he stepped onto the field.