The West Indies hit back in style -- not just to level the three-match T20I series 1-1 and force a decider, but also in everything else that can be done and achieved in the field of play, including personal rivalries. Cricket is a team game where a collective defines success and failure.
But this "gentleman's game," as witnessed over the years, has given platforms to individual players to claim their superiority over the others and many protagonists have played their roles to perfection, giving rise to superstars. When these superstars indulge in open one-upmanship games in front of packed stadiums, the very acts become talking points, often reducing the match itself to a mere encounter between two sides. Personal exploits are hailed while the results get reduced to footnotes.
Well, for Indian fans, no one is bigger than Virat Kohli. The skipper, India's batting mainstay, who is also probably the best today. And he loves theatrics. During his epic knock at Hyderabad, the 31-year-old from Delhi performed a celebration worthy of some gladiatorial combat wherein the victor would often stand over the vanquished and declare his claims.
Then, the vanquished as Windies pacer Kesrick Williams, who came with his own signature, on a notebook. After hitting a delectable six, a fired-up Kohli struck off Williams' name. He was angry, for, during a previous visit to the Caribbeans, Williams had handed out a similar celebration.
But remember, Kohli forgets nothing.
Then on Sunday, it was Williams' turn to literally turn the table. He had Kohli, and the 29-year-old Vincentian gave the Indian skipper a taste of his own 'silent treatment'.
Watch it here, courtesy BCCI:
The story or rather footage of Williams' celebration found mention in every report.
For many, Williams's hushed-up 'shhh!' celebration was a way of giving respect to Kohli and a reminder to his teammates not to enrage the Indian captain. But, one thing was sure, Kohli had a good look at the whole proceedings.
Here's what happened in the match:
India, put in to bat, managed 170/7 with promoted Shivan Dube hitting his maiden T20I fifty and Rishabh Pant returning undefeated on 33. But the Windies chased it down with relative ease, losing only two wickets in the process. Lendl Simmons anchored the chase with an unbeaten 67 off 45.
Now, the two teams will head to Mumbai for the final showdown and expect the Kohli-Williams rivalry to have another chapter. Yes, Kohli forgets nothing.
