Dear Virat Kohli

 Dear Virat Kohli, 

I still remember when I first saw you take the field, you were at unease, shuffling on your feet and you took guard and twirled the bat in your hand. And then, all of a sudden, I don't know what changed, you started looking comfortable and in complete command. It was like the crease is where you always belonged. The ground was your battlefield and the bat, your sword. Your blood was young and your eyes stern with determination and full of hope and big, really big dreams. 

You were misunderstood, people thought you were brash and arrogant but it was your aggression that actually drove you to achieve great things in life.

 I have seen you grow, rather I have grown up with you. At every walk of my life, you have inspired me. Even when you were at your lowest after England 2014, you didn't give up like most would, you turned your life around and came out stronger than ever. And now, everytime I'm down and low, I tell myself that for every '2014', I'll have my '2016'.

 You were the best, your technique-flawless and you were so keen to succeed, you almost never failed. That world T20, I could see how badly you wanted to take your team to glory. I saw the disappointment in your eyes when you gave everything you had and still failed somehow. Did you let that get to you? - I certainly don't think so. You went into the IPL with nothing but hunger for more and more runs and the thirst for nothing but greatness.

 Everytime you fall, you get up ten times stronger. You lose only to come back and push harder in the next fight. 

It's 2022 and it's been a while since you scored a ton and blew a kiss to the stands. They say you are on a decline. I don't want to believe them but even if they were right, you gave us 14 amazing years of cricket and for that, we will eternally be grateful. 

But I know for a fact that there is still a hungry 18-year old virat in you that will come out eventually and will only be satisfied when you have achieved all you've truly wanted- that IPL trophy or an ICC tournament or whatever it is you wished for. You won the 2011 WC for Sachin, it's time they do it for you. I know the steam isn't over and I hope and pray the world realises that soon enough. Because you,sir, are a legend and you've given so much more to the game we all so dearly love than it has given you back.