Virat Kohli: "One Step Ahead" – Kapil Dev Tribute and MS Dhoni Comparison

Virat Kohli's pressure cricket performance and leadership abilities in taking India to victory games have again been at the top of admiration from cricketing legends. Following his match-winning performance against Australia in the Champions Trophy semi-final, former India captain Kapil Dev lavished praise on Kohli's temperament as "one step ahead" of others. The all-time great all-rounder, one of the key players for India when they won their inaugural ODI World Cup in 1983, opined that Kohli's ability as a master of craving and pursuing scores set him apart from the rest of the players, including MS Dhoni.

Kohli's Chasing Expertise

Virat Kohli has always been the 'Chase Master,' and he reaffirmed it. His breathtaking 84-run innings on a hard Dubai surface set India to chase 265 runs from Australia. Kohli played with breathtaking tranquility, attacking but in check, and unbeatable understanding of the demands of the game, cementing his status as one of the all-time great ODI players.

Kapil Dev, known for his candid insights, expressed admiration for Kohli’s mental strength and strategic approach. According to Kapil, Kohli thrives in pressure situations and finds an extra level of motivation when facing difficult challenges.

"I believe that he has the temperament to play a greater challenge, and that is where he gets the energy. He likes playing like that, and there are not many cricketers who have been able to get that sort of temperament. Finally, he's got the class and ability to win the games. We used to know Dhoni doing that kind of thing, but Kohli is one step ahead of the rest," Kapil Dev told India Today.

Gautam Gambhir-Kohli's Versatility is His USP

India head coach Gautam Gambhir also talked about the run chase ability of Kohli and his strategic thinking. Gambhir discussed how Kohli adapts so comfortably with changing conditions, either batting first or chasing a score, and consequently becomes an asset for the team.

"He is a phenomenal one-day cricketer. He knows how to plan whether he is batting first or chasing, and he adapts to the conditions really quickly. That is why experience and high-quality players are very important," Gambhir remarked.

His assessment aligns with Kohli’s impressive record in ODIs, where he has consistently delivered under pressure. Gambhir expressed confidence that Kohli would continue to deliver exceptional performances in the future.

Steve Smith-Kohli’s Chase Strategy is Unmatched

Steve Smith, one of Kohli’s fiercest competitors and an equally accomplished batsman, acknowledged the Indian star’s brilliance while chasing targets. Smith, who has played against Kohli on numerous occasions and witnessed his ability firsthand, praised Kohli’s ability to control the tempo of the game and take it deep when required.

"He is probably the best chaser in the game's history. He's done it to us time and again. He certainly does set the pace of the game so nicely, plays what he can play, and takes the game deep. I felt he played extremely well again," said Smith.

Kohli vs. Dhoni-A Comparison of Chasing Masters

MS Dhoni has been widely regarded as one of the best finishers in the history of the game, with his calm demeanor and tactical acumen making him a nightmare for bowlers in crunch situations. However, Kapil Dev’s comment about Kohli being "one step ahead" suggests that Kohli’s aggressive approach and consistency in chases set him apart.

Whereas Dhoni used to have the tendency of taking games deep and finishing them in a flamboyant manner, Kohli finds it difficult to keep it in check during the duration of the innings, expertly rotating the strike, and shifting gears accordingly. This finesse-based method of chasing makes Kohli an invaluable asset for Indian cricket.

India vs. New Zealand-A Final Showdown Awaits

Ever since India reached the Champions Trophy final, anyone and his/her uncle is sitting on the edge waiting for the upcoming game against New Zealand in Dubai. Both had already clashed during the group stages when India had won. Again, as Kapil Dev so aptly put it, the Champions Trophy is one tournament that has its own character where any team at a given point in time cannot be ruled out.

"India have more chances, but never rule out any other team in the Champions Trophy," Kapil added.

As India gears up for the final, Kohli’s leadership and batting prowess will once again be crucial. If he continues his sublime form, India could be well on their way to adding another prestigious trophy to their cabinet.

Conclusion

Virat Kohli’s excellence in chasing targets has set him apart as one of the finest batsmen in the history of the game. With praise pouring in from Kapil Dev, Gautam Gambhir, and Steve Smith, his stature as a modern-day great is further reinforced. With India set to feature in the Champions Trophy final, cricket fans and pundits alike will be keeping their fingers crossed to find out if Kohli will again take India to victory with his bat.