“What’s in a name?”—this question was raised centuries ago by a man, most probably to hide some of his affairs. However, people have used this over and over which degraded the value behind a name. To answer this question, a name inherits hope, the hope of generations. A name can also be the source of motivation for individuals, to someday become worth that name. Probably why naming kids after fruits or directions should be considered child abuse.
Nevertheless, not everyone gets to wear our name on the chest and walk with a high head as hundreds of people cheer, applaud, and acknowledge you. Such was the glory of “the king”—Virat Kohli, as he walked back to the pavilion piercing his way through the sound of his own name with the most ODI centuries.
The Modern-Day Arjun
It won’t be wrong to title Virat, the modern-day Arjun as he inherits the same unwavering devotion. Along with discipline, commitment, and adherence to duty towards his work just as Arjuna had for his Dharma. Imagine the feeling of defeating the Kauravas not once, not twice but for the 50th time. Maybe that is how Virat felt when he scored his 50th century and became the only player with the most ODI centuries. He took off his helmet, got up off his knees, and absorbed this overwhelming glory at Wankhede.
He looked up at his wife, blew her a kiss, and stood there in the middle of the ground with gratitude as all eyes were pivoting at this man. That night I saw him as someone who’d sleep with one less dream to chase. How must have that felt, I kept imagining as my eyes followed him until he vanished from the crowd as blue as the sea.
Virat fulfilled this dream with determination and consistency packed with passion and hard work. Along with scoring 5000 runs by making the most ODI centuries, Virat etched his name in cricket history with his achievements and records. Some of these achievements include:
His ability to score centuries across different conditions and against top-quality bowling attacks portrays his status as one of the modern era’s premier batsmen. Virat’s dynamic captaincy and aggressive yet calculated approach make him a formidable force in the shortest format and the King of Indian cricket with the most ODI centuries.
An Overview of the Battle: India vs New Zealand
In the first semi-final of the 2023 Cricket World Cup, India faced New Zealand in a thrilling encounter that lived up to the expectations of cricket enthusiasts. The match, held at a packed Wankhede stadium, showcased the best of both team’s cricketing prowess. The toss played a crucial role in shaping the narrative of the game, with India winning it and opting to bat first. The Indian openers set a solid foundation, with Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul displaying a flawless game. The partnership between Sharma and Rahul laid the groundwork for the middle order to capitalize on. Their calculated aggression propelled India to a commanding position in the early overs.
(Source-outlookindia)
However, New Zealand, known for their resilience, staged a remarkable comeback in the latter half of the Indian innings. Their bowlers, Trent Boult and Mitchell Santner, applied pressure and took crucial wickets, disrupting India’s rhythm. Although, this loss of wickets opened a window for our king to step up and reclaim his thrown. All the eyes in the stadium were filled with hope as Virat walked towards the pitch.
Carrying this huge log of expectations Virat Kohli anchored the innings with his captain’s knock, steering India to a competitive total. Virat came through yet again, fulfilling the hopes of every single Indian. Along with chasing the target of the most ODI centuries, he led the Indian cricket team towards victory. In the end, India emerged victorious, clinching a hard-fought win and securing their spot in the final of the 2023 Cricket World Cup.
One less Dream
(Source-timesofindia.indiatimes)
His journey is impeccable, his determination is unbreakable, his bat is a sword and he is a worrier, he is “Virat,” the man with the most ODI centuries. A living answer to—what’s in a name? Virat is an example of the value one creates behind our name, over time through dedication and hard work. He is the statue of what amazing things passion and discipline can do in our lives. It can make the god (in his case Sachin Tendulkar) stand up and applaud with pride and honor in his eyes.
Goosebumps were nothing, it was the boil in my blood gushing through my heart. My swollen chest somehow brought tears to my eyes, seeing this man running in between the wickets, he was chasing a dream. That night inspired me to focus on something more important, that night I went to sleep with a dream to someday sleep with one less dream.
