In a display of sheer cricketing prowess, Virat Kohli delivered a match-winning performance during India’s encounter with New Zealand in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. His brilliant 104-ball 95 anchored India’s successful chase of a 274-run target, enabling them to secure a four-wicket victory with two overs to spare. Kohli’s exceptional innings drew applause and admiration, including a noteworthy commendation from former cricketer Gautam Gambhir.
Challenging the ‘Finisher’ Label
During a discussion on Star Sports, Gautam Gambhir questioned the conventional cricketing terminology that limits the ‘finisher’ label to players batting at positions 5 to 7. He articulated his belief that this label, often propagated by the media, should encompass any player who contributes to the culmination of a victorious innings.
Gambhir emphasized, “I have never understood why the finisher’s tag is given only to Nos. 5 to 7. An opener can also be a finisher. A No. 11 can also be a finisher. This has just been created by the media.”
Kohli: A Master Chaser
Gambhir underscored the significance of Kohli’s contributions and the numerous games he has single-handedly steered to victory. He declared, “There can’t be a better finisher than Virat Kohli because of the number of games he has won.” Gambhir’s perspective highlights the fact that an individual’s position in the batting lineup should not define their ability to ‘finish’ a match.
Gambhir and Sanjay Manjrekar concurred that players like Kohli deserve a more fitting title, suggesting ‘Master Chaser’ as a more suitable moniker, akin to Sachin Tendulkar’s ‘Master Blaster.’
The Obsession with Centuries
The discussion then turned to Kohli falling just five runs short of his 49th ODI hundred, a landmark in cricketing statistics. Gautam Gambhir shared his thoughts, challenging the prevailing obsession with century milestones. He emphasized that Kohli’s innings, regardless of the century milestone, should be recognized and appreciated for its immense contribution to securing the match.
Gambhir said, “Think about how obsessed we are with a hundred that we have stopped remembering the 95-run knock. He has won the match. It doesn’t matter if it was going to be the 49th or 100th hundred.” He encouraged focusing on the overall impact of an innings rather than being fixated on century figures.
Virat Kohli’s performance in the match, with eight fours and two sixes, was indeed commendable. His relentless pursuit of victory and the ability to perform under pressure were widely lauded. Kohli was caught in the deep while attempting to clear the boundary and reach his century.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
