TeluguabroadThe most fitting reply to bullies is showing them you can’t be hit. Virat Kohli has explained that lesson to many a team; both on and off the pitch. While former cricketers we won’t name have revealed in some Virat-bashing newly, we are rah-rahing the current India skipper for having the gumption to take on attackers with élan.
Stopping short of naming the Aussie players ‘cheats,’ Virat refused to take the ‘no comments’ route when asked difficult questions at a post-match press conference on March 7. That his team was ready to pull off a thrilling 75-run win on Australia in the Bengaluru Test must surely have made it simpler for Virat to say his piece. Yet, win or lose, Virat will not be bullied — and this is only one of many events that stand as a witness.
Whether he is taking up for ladylove Anushka Sharma when online trolls try to put her down, or giving traditional bullies a taste of their own medicine, Virat will not be bullied. “I live one day at a time,” Virat once told me, when asked about the legacy he hopes to leave, adding: “I would like to be known as a successful cricketer and someone who did a lot of good things for Indian cricket — someone who encouraged others to follow their dreams.”
We think Virat is well on his way to accomplishing this goal, as does former Sri Lankan cricket captain Kumar Sangakkara, who agrees that Virat “seems to be able to motivate his team to give their all in any situation.” After all, nothing makes you more game for life than the ability to stand your ground and encourage others to do the same.
