Fearing that someone would dare to jump over the fence to give Kohli a bearhug, the security guards stood alert, walkie-talkies held close to their mouths. Nearly 45,000 people had chosen to spend their Sunday at the Narendra Modi Stadium, hoping that Kohli, who was unbeaten on 59 at stumps on Saturday, would score at least 41 more runs.
He took his time, but Kohli eventually scored those runs. He reached his century in the second session of the day, half an hour after lunch, on the second ball of Lyon’s 53rd over. His unspectacular single to square to complete his long-awaited 28th Test century was followed by a quiet but emotional celebration.
A younger Kohli would have burst his lungs, strained his nerves, and cursed aloud if he had reached 100 after even the slightest criticism. He has matured at the age of 34. Despite losing the captaincy and being relentlessly mocked during his long Test hundred drought, Kohli remained composed.
He raised his hands halfway, smiled warmly, and searched beneath his sweat-soaked shirt for the wedding ring that hung from the chain around his neck. He’d seal the occasion with a kiss on the gleaming band.
The crowd who came to see a Kohli hundred almost got a double tonne. He scored 186 from 364 balls while anchoring India to a commanding 571 and a 91-run first-innings lead. With India desperate to put pressure on Australia, Kohli’s marathon knock ended with a tired heave to deep midwicket.
He would raise the bat to the stands before beginning his slow climb up to the dressing room. It had been a long and exhausting day. He hasn’t had such days in a long time.
Only time will tell if Kohli’s Test career will get a second wind thanks to this century. But for the time being, he has made an important point. Kohli has adjusted to life as a commoner after being the totemic King Kohli for so long.
He has refused to fade away silently as the team’s voice. The demons in his head have had no effect on his muscle memory. Kohli’s saga is far from over.
