World Cup 2023: In a remarkable display of skill and tenacity, Virat Kohli captivated the cricketing world with his 49th ODI century during the match against South Africa at the Eden Gardens. The innings, which coincided with his birthday, was a fitting addition to his illustrious career. However, despite the celebrations, discussions regarding Kohli’s playing style have often been laced with criticism, suggesting he plays for personal milestones. In the wake of such criticism, former cricketer Venkatesh Prasad has stepped forward with a compelling statement.
Prasad’s remarks on the matter carried a blend of sarcasm and reverence, describing Kohli as “selfish” in a rather unorthodox manner. He elucidated that Kohli’s brand of “selfishness” is in the relentless pursuit of fulfilling the dreams of millions of Indian fans. His selfishness, according to Prasad, lies in his unwavering commitment to guiding his team towards victory.
World Cup 2023: On his birthday, Kohli not only celebrated another year of his life but also an outstanding century, remaining unbeaten at 101 runs, decorated with 10 fours off 121 balls. This achievement vaulted him to the pinnacle of cricketing greatness, putting him shoulder to shoulder with Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 centuries.
Addressing the critics head-on, Venkatesh Prasad took to Twitter to laud Kohli’s performance, targeting those who label the cricketer as self-indulgent. His tweet read: “I am hearing a lot of things about Virat Kohli being called selfish, playing only for personal stats. Yes, he is Swarthi (selfish in Hindi), because he fulfills the dreams of crores of Indians. They call him selfish because, despite his vast achievements, his hunger for excellence does not wane. He’s selfish because he aspires to set new benchmarks every day. He is selfish because his performance often guarantees the team’s victory. Yes, Virat Kohli is selfish.”
World Cup 2023: The statement by Prasad not only provides a striking perspective on Kohli’s intentions but also sets the tone for how ambition is perceived in the world of sports. As Kohli stands on the brink of surpassing Tendulkar’s record, his next century will not just be a personal achievement but a milestone for the sport itself, potentially crowning him as the top century-maker in the history of ODIs.
As the cricketing fraternity ponders over Prasad’s words, they echo a sentiment that resonates beyond the boundaries: that sometimes, being “selfish” in the pursuit of collective joy and national pride can indeed be the most selfless act of all.
Image Credit – news18
