Virat Kohli, the new poster boy of Indian cricket, who is at the helm of the team in all the formats now, was selected in the India Under-19 squad in 2006. Since then, he hasn’t looked back. This was the biggest turning point of his life. Over the years, Virat has conquered over many records and is becoming better and better with each day. Ever since he has been appointed as Indian Test cricket team captain, he has been astonishing. And undoubtedly he is becoming one of the best batsmen the game has ever seen.
Let's a look at the qualities that make Virat Kohli an astounding leader:
1. Passion
His passion for performing and winning the match for his country is immeasurable. He always wants to win and he never gives up and makes full effort to make India win. When Virat Kohli was 18 years old, during a Ranji trophy match vs Karnataka, he lost his father when the match was going on. Still he came to bat the next morning trying to save his team from a follow on situation. Virat Kohli started his slow walk back after scoring a chanceless 90 that afternoon at Kotla. Rival Karnataka players did not know whether to celebrate his innings or his dismissal. That showed how passionate and committed he is towards his game and team. He is aggression along with his passion make him more dangerous for the opposition.
2. Hard work
You can't help but admire him as he raises the bar for himself every now and then. He is always evolving, whether it's his batting or fitness. He is one of the fittest cricketers around the world right now, playing almost all the matches around the year for India and in IPL and performing consistently. In his initial years, he had some weakness in his batting but then he worked hard and conquered it. As we saw in 2016 IPL, before that tournament we didn't see him hitting much sixes. But in that tournament he hit the highest number of sixes. So he is always willing to upgrade himself. And that's why currently he is in the top 3 ICC batsman ranking in all the formats.
3. Motivator
The best leaders bring out the best in their teammates. Instead of being all about themselves, their stats, and their individual success, they consciously connect with their teammates to help take them to a higher level. Everytime during a post match interview, he never forgets to praise whoever has played well. He praises inspire his teammates to gives the best performance. Even when someone is struggling, he backs him like he backed Wriddhiman Saha. After the retirement of Dhoni when Saha got the opportunity to play for India, he didn't get the runs initially. But in 2016 he was one of the top performers for India in tests. So he always creates positive vibes in his teammates and always looks to get the best out of them.
4. Confidence
He said that he wanted to make Indian team No. 1 in tests and he proved himself right. He has full confidence on his team. Whatever he speaks, he achieves. The amount of self belief he has is extraordinary. He is always looking to thrive and make himself better and better everyday. The amount of confidence he reflects when he comes out to bat is impressive. The opposition is always looking to get him out as quickly as possible because everyone knows his abilities to win the match from any situation. Even when he is fielding, he is dynamic and confidence can be seen in his body language.
5. Positivity
We all know he is a positive player who is always willing to attack and win the game for his country. That's why he has been one of the greatest chasers ever. Whether it is 100 off 52 in Jaipur versus Australia or 133 versus Sri Lanka when India chased down 320 in 30.4 overs with the help of Kohli's special innings. Even in the test match against the Aussies in Adelaide led by a new captain Virat Kohli, India came very close to registering a remarkable win by chasing a mammoth fourth innings target of 364. They lost by 48 runs in the end. But the manner in which Indian batsmen went about their task made this Test special. And it was all because of the positive intent – the intent to win -- shown by Virat Kohli. He is always determined to win every match for his team which is essential.
