But Superman can't play cricket...so that makes our Virat a Super-Duper Man. A larger than life superhero, who knows the power of his bat. But more importantly, he knows the power of humility.
When he bowed deeply to acknowledge Sachin Tendulkar's presence in the stands after his dramatic half-century during the India-Pakistan match, it was obvious to the nearly 60,000 fans present in Eden Garden that this was one of cricket's finest moments - a genuine and rare gesture from one great sportsman to another. I am not sure whether such a public tribute has ever been paid by any sports personality, here or internationally, with millions of fans across the world watching the touching exchange on their television screens. With that humble bow, Virat Kohli has found a permanent place in the hearts of cricket lovers for years to come. What makes his gesture so special? How about this? We live in ego-driven me, me, me times. Nobody acknowledges the role of a mentor, guru, role model. It's all about individual achievement... personal glory. Then along comes Virat with that bow...

Virat Kohli dedicates his Eden knock vs Pakistan to Sachin Tendulkar

Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar was in the stands cheering for the team with his wife, the Ambanis and Amitabh Bachchan.

Virat Kohli and his then girlfriend Anushka Sharma at the Royal Challengers-Delhi Daredevils IPL match in Bangalore last year
Virat Kohli is truly a "changa puttar". If the current hit song "Ladki Beautiful" from Kapoor & Sons, featuring the delightful Alia Bhatt, is ever remixed and performed as a homage to a guy, that man would have to be Virat Kohli. When Sachin Tendulkar reciprocated Virat's magnanimous gesture with a spontaneous thumbs up sign, perhaps without realising it at that moment, India's numero uno batting legend had anointed Virat Kohli his legitimate successor in the annals of cricket.
And that jaunty thumbs up from Sachin was also a thumbs up on behalf of a billion-plus Indians.
Thank you, Virat Kohli for making our hearts go dhak dhak...don't stop!
(Shobhaa De is an established writer, columnist, opinion shaper and social commentator, who is considered an authority on popular culture.)
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