Cricket

Virat Kohli's 2014-15 tour of Australia was a tale of resilience and determination. Despite India's Test series loss, Kohli emerged as a beacon of hope, amassing a staggering 692 runs across four matches.The tour began with a baptism of fire for Kohli, who was leading the team in the absence of MS Dhoni. Mitchell Johnson's menacing bouncer on the first ball of the series left Kohli reeling, his helmet absorbing the impact. The entire Australian team rushed to his aid, but Kohli's resolve remained unshaken.During the lunch break, Kohli regrouped and refocused. He returned to the crease with a renewed determination and went on to score a magnificent 115, the first of four centuries he would hit in the series.In a recent video that has gone viral on social media, Kohli recounted the incident and its profound impact on him. "It was a heavy blow," he said. "My vision started dropping, I had swelling. But I had two options: fight or flight. And my reaction was, 'I will hit him so much throughout this series.'"Kohli's words proved prophetic. He went on to score centuries in both innings of the first Test, but it wasn't enough to prevent a 48-run defeat. However, his performance set the tone for the rest of the series, as he continued to torment the Australian bowlers with his aggressive batting.Kohli's resilience and determination in the face of adversity became a symbol of hope for the Indian team. His ability to bounce back from setbacks and perform at his best under pressure inspired his teammates and fans alike.The 2014-15 tour of Australia was a watershed moment in Kohli's career. It marked his emergence as a world-class batsman and a leader who could rally his team even in the face of adversity.

Devdutt Padikkal's journey to the Indian Test team has been a testament to his resilience and determination. After a promising start to his international career in 2021, Padikkal faced setbacks due to COVID-19 and a stomach-related illness.During this challenging period, Padikkal's weight dropped, and he struggled to stay fit and healthy. However, he remained steadfast in his pursuit of his dream. He consulted with doctors and worked tirelessly on his fitness and diet.Padikkal's hard work paid off in the 2023-24 season. He excelled for Karnataka across formats, scoring heavily in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Ranji Trophy. His performances, particularly his 151 against Tamil Nadu, caught the attention of chief selector Ajit Agarkar.With KL Rahul ruled out of the third Test against England due to a fitness issue, Padikkal emerged as a replacement. His selection was a testament to his impressive form and the belief of the selectors in his abilities.Padikkal's journey to the Test team is a story of perseverance and unwavering determination. He has overcome adversity and proven that with hard work and belief, anything is possible.