Kohli brings India rare bright light

Virat Kohli’s battling maiden Test century didn’t exactly come in ideal circumstances, but at least it has given the beleaguered India fans something to get excited about. The 23-year-old batted through not only aggressive bowling from the Aussie pace attack, but also a large amount of aggressive sledging from the rarely shy Australian fielders.

Despite his team-mates falling around him, Kohli battled on with a determined focus, reaching his century after a nervous few play-and-misses – before the clearly delighted Indian celebrated as if he’d won the World Cup. The youngster admitted the 100 had been even sweeter after having to put up with such a ferocious verbal assault in Adelaide. Those looking at the cricket betting odds will know this.

“They sledge when they get frustrated. Obviously it was hot out there, and constantly they were sledging the players so they could spoil our concentration,” he said.
“To give it back verbally and then score a hundred is even better.”

“I like to play my cricket like that. I like to give it back.”

While Kohli’s usual game is that of the modern Indian player; plenty of aggressive stroke-play and great use of the wrists. His innings at Adelaide required him to show he had the ability to become a genuine top Test match batsman; playing each ball on its merits and not chasing the big shots. Fans of Betfair betting should bear this in mind.

After such a dismal 12 months for India in the Test match arena, and with more dark times coming up when this ageing squad begin to hang up their whites, Kohli’s innings gives the passionate fans someone they can believe will become the next great batsman. The pressure will now improve on the 23-year old after this century and the question will be whether or not he can handle that and push on in his career.