They say that form is temporary and class is permanent. But truth be told, that particular statement of cricketing fact- a factual one- stands true for mortals. Not immortals or greats or icons! Call them what you may. For what seems true in their case is that - form and class both are permanent. And this applies to cricketing icons and giants such as a certain Virat Kohli. Here’s why!
A huge predecessor in terms of narrative prior to the start of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru v Gujarat Titans game was the huge inkling of form that both Kagiso Rabada and his Gujarat team had demonstrated of late. As a matter of fact, Rabada, who entered this particular contest did so at the back of 13 wickets in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League.
He was expected to deliver and deliver big time in the game against the RCB as just in the recent game, against CSK, he had bowled his heart out with a commanding bowling spell of 3 for 25 that was actually his third 3-for in this edition itself. That breathtaking spell allowed Gujarat to overcome Chennai by well over 50 runs.
But then it’s quite different when you come across Virat Kohli- right?
And imagine the consequence of running into a ramrod of a tough cookie like Virat Kohli of RCB? The first 5 boundaries of his very first over and that too, inside the PowerPlay sent the South African to 5 boundaries.
It’s one thing to smash other bowlers for consecutive boundaries but something quite different to confront Rabada
Not that Kohli cares. Not that it mattered even a bit as one classy and supremely elegant stroke made Rabada’s maiden over in the contest vs RCB disorderly.
First there came a square drive. Then a cut. Then another cut followed by a square drive and then a straight drive and the ground went berserk - for it was all Kohli- Kohli chants that one could hear.
His stay at the wicket might have been a short one
But it was, truth be told, a highly productive one. 28 off 13 in the end was a predetermined agressive outcome at the wicket that saw sweltering boundaries that perhaps only further elevated the overall stature of the game.
There are cameos. There are desperately needed cameos. And then there are gorgeous ones as only the demigods of the art called batting can produce. On April 30, Hitman’s great day, it was the King of batsmanship who produced a jewel for us to savour.
