The under-19 World Cup when Little Virat Kohli changed the way India played cricket
Even as a teenager, Virat Kohli came with a clear warning: ‘mess with me and face the consequences’. Little Virat, whenever challenged or undermined, would raise his game to leave his rivals regretting the provocation. The few on the sidelines of the 2008 under-19 World Cup final in Malaysia saw this trait early. They were also among the first to get a glimpse of the batting phenomenon and also the future of Indian cricket. It had started with a South African player mocking India’s very modest total during the mid-innings break. In the annals of Indian cricket history, this would be the opening of an inspiring folklore. Skipper Virat, after a rousing speech in the dressing room, would lead a frenzied unit to the ground. Like a raging storm, they would destroy the rivals and scoop the Cup. A legend was born, one that would continue to grow in the years to come. Another under-19 World Cup is reaching its business end in Zimbabwe. On Sunday, India is playing Pakistan in a crucial Super Six …
