The Rise, Fall, and Resurgence: Virat Kohli’s Struggle and Reinvention

From 2020 to 2022, one of cricket’s most celebrated modern-day batters, Virat Kohli, unexpectedly found himself grappling with a crisis of form. A player known for his technical mastery and mental toughness, Kohli's struggles began to unravel as he found himself vulnerable against both pace and spin. The moving ball exposed cracks in his defence, and spinners, especially on turning subcontinental tracks, proved to be his undoing. The murmurs of critics turned into a clamor, as every dismissal became fodder for relentless analysis. The legend of Kohli was, for the first time in a decade, under genuine threat.  

According to a Wisden analysis, Kohli was dismissed 11 times in Tests played in India from 2020 onward, nine of which came at the hands of spinners like Ajaz Patel, Jack Leach, Lasith Embuldeniya, and Rachin Ravindra. Spin, a domain where he had previously reigned supreme, suddenly became his Achilles heel. In parallel, fast bowlers exploited his old nemesis—the probing line outside the fourth and fifth stump—baiting him into mistakes early in his innings.  

Echoes of 2014: Technical Flaws Resurface

Kohli's recent struggles bore eerie similarities to his lean patch during the 2014 England tour, where he fell prey to James Anderson's relentless precision. Back then, he explained to former England captain Nasser Hussain that his back toe had been angled toward cover rather than point, causing his stance to open up and exposing the edge of his bat. Expecting inswingers, Kohli found himself drawn into playing deliveries pitched further outside off-stump.  

However, after consulting with Sachin Tendulkar, he made crucial adjustments—aligning his back toe toward point, adopting an off-stump guard, and batting outside the crease to negate swing and turn good-length deliveries into half-volleys. This reboot had worked wonders, helping Kohli reach new heights, and the technique became the bedrock of his dominance for years. But post-2019, as form deserted him, these technical fundamentals faltered.  

Sunil Gavaskar aptly observed:  

"He has amassed over 8,000 Test runs with his back-and-across movement, but now the bat and foot are moving in different directions. He’s playing at deliveries far outside off-stump, often too early in the innings."

At his peak, Kohli combined fluency and aggression with unshakable intent—using the back-and-across trigger to unleash the signature whip through midwicket and control the bowlers by playing deep in the crease. But by 2020, his game seemed fragmented, as if stuck between past methods and new uncertainties. The old plan, which had brought him great success, now required a recalibration.  

The Reset: Embracing Flaws and Adapting to Change

Kohli's realization was blunt but transformative: cricket demands evolution, and to evolve, one must acknowledge weaknesses. He went back to the drawing board—introspecting, refining, and embracing simplicity. Against spinners, he consciously moved either fully forward or decisively back, minimizing the chances of being caught on the crease. He also reworked his stance, adopting a two-eyed, open setup, helping him judge the line better and complement his back-foot trigger movement.  

More than technique, the change was philosophical—Kohli began to emphasize strike rotation and trusted time at the crease over flamboyance. His batting became less about aesthetic aggression and more about effective accumulation, channelling a mindset reminiscent of Javed Miandad—a player who excelled by grinding out runs and keeping his team afloat in challenging situations.  

This mental adjustment saw Kohli prioritize calm resilience over bravado. In the second act of his career, he became the batter who would weather storms, absorb pressure, and pace the innings with precision. His resurgence wasn’t just a technical correction—it was the birth of a mindset that embraced patience and adaptability as virtues.  

The Redemption Arc: A Masterclass at Dharamsala

In the 2023 ICC World Cup group-stage match against New Zealand at Dharamsala, Kohli demonstrated exactly why he remains one of the most revered batters in the game. On a tricky surface where the ball gripped and spun, India was in a precarious position, losing five wickets with 83 runs still to get.  

This was a situation tailor-made for the new Kohli—not the marauding run-machine of old, but the craftsman who would sculpt a victory out of adversity. New Zealand’s left-arm orthodox bowlers tightened the screws, but Kohli did not flinch. Rather than chasing the game, he let the game come to him. His footwork was measured, his shot selection immaculate. He occupied the crease with quiet authority, nudging singles and doubles, refusing to let the pressure overwhelm him.  

It was not a display of flamboyant stroke-play but a masterclass in temperament. The Kohli of today wins battles of attrition—absorbing the bowling attack’s best spells, maintaining composure, and pouncing on the occasional loose delivery. The more the opposition tried to choke him, the deeper he dug. Every run was a statement of intent, every shot a reminder of his resilience.  

In Dharamsala, Kohli proved that greatness is not just about hitting cover drives; it is about knowing when not to play them.  

The Evolution of a Legend

Virat Kohli’s transformation exemplifies how elite athletes must continually evolve to stay relevant. His second innings as a batter is not just a revival of form—it is a testament to the power of introspection and reinvention. If the first version of Kohli thrived on audacity and flair, the second version thrives on grit and pragmatism.  

Kohli’s legacy will not merely be defined by the records he sets but by how he redefined himself when confronted with failure. Like a captain steering a ship through stormy seas, he navigates tricky pitches and tight bowling attacks with steady hands and a calm mind. His batting now embodies a philosophy: to outlast the storm, to fight smarter, and to let the game’s rhythm flow through patience.  

This evolution mirrors the arc of every great athlete’s career—falling, learning, rising again. Kohli’s journey from form loss to redemption is not just about fixing techniques or scoring runs; it is about rediscovering one’s essence as a player and a person.  

As long as there is pressure to absorb, Virat Kohli will flourish—proving time and again that, while talent is transient, resolve is eternal.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar  

The Storm from the Caribbean: Marshall’s Rise and India’s Fall

The Test series between India and West Indies in 1983-84 was more than just cricket. It was a saga of revenge, resurgence, and the birth of a legend. Despite limited media coverage, the cricketing world buzzed with anticipation—from the windswept stadiums of England to the beaches of the Caribbean and even the bustling streets of Dhaka, where listeners clung to their radios, eager for updates. Months earlier, India had achieved the impossible by defeating Clive Lloyd's formidable West Indies in the World Cup final at Lord’s—a victory that shook the cricketing world and left the Caribbean giants reeling. The wounded champions landed in India not just to play cricket but to reclaim their pride.

Among the menacing West Indies pace quartet, one bowler had yet to fully etch his name into folklore—Malcolm Marshall. Though he had toured India in 1978 and played a role in the 1983 World Cup final, Marshall was still considered a notch below his celebrated compatriots—Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, and Joel Garner. But all that would change over a few furious days in Kanpur, where the first Test marked the beginning of an era dominated by his brilliance and brutality.

Kanpur: The Test That Changed Everything

The match began with glimpses of promise for India. West Indies, at one point precariously placed at 157 for 5, looked vulnerable. But Gordon Greenidge, with a monumental 194 that spanned nine hours, stitched crucial partnerships with Jeff Dujon and Marshall, dragging his side to a commanding 454.

For Marshall, this innings held personal disappointment as well as promise. Batting at No. 10, he showcased unexpected grit and skill, falling agonizingly short of a maiden Test century on 92. But the runs were merely a prelude to what would follow—an unforgettable spell of fast bowling that would dismantle India and signal Marshall’s ascension to greatness.

The Twilight Spell: October 22, 1983

In the fading light of Day 2, Marshall unleashed a spell that would live in the annals of Test cricket. India, beginning their response to West Indies' formidable total, walked into an ambush. In his first two deliveries, Marshall sent Sunil Gavaskar—India’s batting talisman—back to the pavilion for a duck. Caught behind by Dujon, Gavaskar's dismissal silenced the crowd, leaving India at 0 for 1.

Soon after, Mohinder Amarnath, embarking on what would become a torrid series, fell leg-before without troubling the scorers. India, stunned, stood at 0 for 2. Marshall’s pace and precision left the Indian batsmen groping in the dark. An edge from Anshuman Gaekwad gave Dujon another catch, and the scoreboard read 9 for 3. Then, Marshall bowled Dilip Vengsarkar with a delivery that nipped back viciously, reducing India to 18 for 4.

By the time Winston Davis chipped in with the wicket of Ravi Shastri for a duck, India limped to 29 for 5. When stumps were drawn, India had slumped to 34 for 5, Marshall’s figures a surreal 8-5-9-4. The twilight spell had shattered India’s confidence and established Marshall as a menace to be reckoned with.

Clive Lloyd’s Calculated Gambit

Day 3 began with an intriguing tactical call from Clive Lloyd. Rather than using Marshall right away, Lloyd kept him fresh, reserving his energy for the inevitable follow-on. India, unable to recover from the wreckage of the previous evening, folded meekly and were forced to bat again.

Marshall, refreshed and relentless, returned with the same venom in the second innings. India’s top order once again crumbled under his assault, losing five wickets before reaching 50. Gavaskar, attempting to hold firm, was at the receiving end of a brutal delivery that knocked the bat from his hands—a moment now etched into the memory of Indian cricket fans. Marshall’s final figures for the match—4 for 19 in the first innings and 4 for 47 in the second—epitomized his control and ruthlessness. India was skittled out, suffering an innings defeat by 83 runs.

The Making of a Legend

The Kanpur Test wasn’t just a victory for the West Indies—it was a declaration. Malcolm Marshall had arrived as a force to be feared. Before this match, his record stood at 55 wickets from 17 Tests at a respectable but unspectacular average of 28.7. From this series onward, however, Marshall would elevate himself to the pantheon of fast-bowling greats. Over the next eight years, he would terrorize batsmen across the globe, amassing 321 wickets in 64 Tests at an astonishing average of 19.6, with a strike rate of 44.6.

For India, the series became a brutal reminder of the gulf between them and the cricketing elite. Battered and humiliated, India lost the series without much resistance, haunted by the relentless pace and accuracy of Marshall.

Legacy of the Kanpur Test

The 1983-84 series marked the beginning of a transformation—not just in Marshall’s career but also in the psyche of cricketing nations. From that moment on, no batsman could afford to underestimate him. His ability to extract fearsome pace even on unresponsive pitches made him a nightmare for the best in the world. The Indians, who had once dismissed him as merely “promising,” would learn to respect and fear him, as would batsmen everywhere.

In Kanpur, Marshall had not only announced his arrival but also altered the course of cricket history. His spell under the October twilight remains one of the finest exhibitions of fast bowling—a performance that left Indian cricket in tatters and heralded the rise of a giant who would dominate the game for years to come.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar 

South Africa decimate England: A clinical demolition in Mumbai’s heat and chaos

Amid sweltering conditions at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, England and South Africa clashed in what promised to be a pivotal encounter at the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup. Both teams entered this match burdened by unexpected losses to tournament underdogs—England stunned by Afghanistan, and South Africa humbled by the Netherlands. With the Proteas missing their regular captain Temba Bavuma, and England welcoming back talismanic all-rounder Ben Stokes, the narrative seemed evenly poised. Yet, the unfolding drama on the field told a very different story—one of English disintegration under South African onslaught.

A Toss, A Gamble, and England's Undoing

Despite being well aware of South Africa’s prowess when setting a target, England opted to field after winning the toss—a decision that would haunt them for the rest of the day. Under the glaring Mumbai sun, England’s pacers Reece Topley and David Willey began promisingly, dismissing the dangerous Quinton de Kock and keeping Reeza Hendricks under control. But as the pitch flattened and the heat began to sap energy, the Proteas' batsmen seized the moment.

Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen steadily dismantled England’s early discipline, finding the gaps with precision. Their 121-run stand for the second wicket recalibrated the South African innings from a precarious 18/1 to a position of dominance. England’s attempt to counter with raw pace through Mark Wood backfired spectacularly, as South Africa showed no mercy. Wood, whose wickets in this tournament came against Bangladesh and Afghanistan at a miserable economy, found himself pummeled into submission.

The Klaasen-Jansen Storm: Wreckage in the Final Overs

Though England managed to pick up wickets in the middle overs, any sense of resurgence evaporated when Heinrich Klaasen and Marco Jansen joined forces. What followed was a ruthless exhibition of power-hitting, as the duo unleashed a storm that tore through England’s bowlers. Their sixth-wicket partnership—a record-breaking 151 runs off just 77 balls—will go down as one of the most brutal counterattacks in World Cup history.  

Klaasen’s innings, a masterpiece of controlled aggression, escalated with breathtaking momentum. After reaching fifty, he exploded—plundering 57 runs off the next 27 deliveries. As Mumbai’s oppressive humidity took its toll, Klaasen refused to relent, even needing a breather between overs to gather himself. His final blows—an audacious six over long-on followed by a flicked boundary—sealed one of the finest hundreds in this tournament. His 109 off 67 balls, studded with 12 fours and 4 sixes, will be remembered as a knock of rare ferocity.

Jansen, equally menacing, played with fearless intent. His 42-ball 75 not out featured clean, towering sixes that left England scrambling. He smashed Topley for three consecutive sixes in the penultimate over, which yielded 26 runs, underscoring the Proteas’ domination. South Africa finished agonizingly short of 400, posting a mammoth 399—enough to break the spirit of any opponent.

England Collapse in the Face of a Mountain  

Chasing 400 in the heat of Mumbai was always going to be a monumental task. But England’s top order, instead of standing tall, crumbled under the weight of scoreboard pressure. Within 12 overs, half the English side was back in the pavilion, gasping at 68/6. As wickets tumbled in rapid succession, the chase morphed from a challenge into a formality for South Africa.  

England’s decision to rely on part-time bowlers like Joe Root earlier in the game hinted at tactical confusion—something South Africa ruthlessly exploited. The English side once hailed for its aggressive brand of cricket, melted like wax under relentless heat and withering pressure. Even the presence of Ben Stokes—hero of many battles—could not inspire resistance against the sheer brutality of Klaasen and Jansen.

A Statement Win for South Africa, An Existential Crisis for England

South Africa’s victory was not just comprehensive; it was a statement. This performance reaffirmed their title credentials and showcased the depth in their batting, even in Bavuma’s absence. Hendricks’ assured 85, van der Dussen’s anchoring role and Jansen’s all-round brilliance were the hallmarks of a team firing on all cylinders.

In contrast, England finds itself at a crossroads. The defending champions now grapple with more than just tactical missteps—they must confront a deeper malaise. Their once-feared bowling attack looked pedestrian, their famed batting lineup faltered under pressure, and their morale appeared fractured. 

This defeat serves as a wake-up call for England. With tougher matches on the horizon, they must rediscover their mojo quickly if they are to keep their World Cup hopes alive. For South Africa, however, the message to the world is clear: underestimate them at your peril. 

In Mumbai’s searing heat, it was South Africa that stood tall, and England who melted into the shadows.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

 

 

Brazilian Football in crisis: The Diniz Dilemma and The Path Forward

When Brazil demolished Bolivia in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, fans believed a revival was at hand under interim coach Fernando Diniz**. However, the initial optimism gave way to grim reality: a narrow escape against Peru, a frustrating draw against Venezuela, and a complete breakdown in Montevideo at the hands of Uruguay. These performances starkly highlighted the flaws in Diniz’s methods, raising concerns about Brazil’s downward spiral since the 2022 World Cup and the absence of a long-term plan.  

The Crisis After Qatar  

The quarterfinal loss to Croatia at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar marked the end of  Tite’s era. Although Tite’s record was respectable, his rigid tactics and questionable player selections alienated fans and critics alike. Brazil’s shortcomings against top European sides since the last decade exposed a deeper problem—one not simply about players but structural issues within Brazilian football. Historically, the world once learned from Brazil’s artistry, but now Brazil struggles to keep pace with European football’s evolution.  

Repeated cycles of hasty coach appointments, tactical confusion, and reliance on fading stars have plagued the Seleção after every World Cup disappointment. The decision to hire Fernando Diniz as a stopgap coach, with promises of Carlo Ancelotti assuming the role next year, seemed like a gamble—one that is unravelling fast. And if Ancelotti ultimately backs out, as some reports suggest, Brazil may find itself stuck with Diniz, whose domestic success does not appear translatable to the international stage.

Who Is Fernando Diniz?  

Diniz, a former player for clubs like Palmeiras, Corinthians, and Fluminense, has enjoyed modest success in Brazilian club football. However, his rise to prominence as a coach was defined by his work at Fluminense, where he implemented a possession-based, fluid style that earned him the label “the New Guardiola.” Unlike Guardiola’s rigid positional play, Diniz embraces a relationalist approach, emphasizing fluid movement, player interchanges, and numerical superiority. His tactical model revolves around rapid passing and exploiting half-spaces, a philosophy that works well domestically but falters on the international stage.  

Why Diniz’s Philosophy Fails Internationally?  

While Diniz’s relationalism style looks attractive on paper, its drawbacks become apparent when tested against elite opposition. Unlike at the club level, where players have time to adapt to intricate systems, national teams demand **clear, effective tactics that fit the players’ strengths. Brazil’s lack of positional discipline under Diniz has led to defensive lapses, particularly against Venezuela and Uruguay, where the Seleção’s fluid structure left dangerous gaps for counterattacks.  

Diniz’s preference for short-passing triangles in tight spaces can also backfire, as it often crowds players into a narrow zone, leaving the opposition free to press and counter through the flanks. Against Uruguay, **Vinícius Jr., Neymar, and Rodrygo** found themselves jumbled in the same areas without coordinated movement, making Brazil predictable and ineffective. This confusion underscores the limitations of a system that prioritizes relational movements over structure and space. 

International success demands tactical pragmatism and mental toughness—traits Diniz’s flamboyant system seems to lack. What works in Brazil’s domestic league won’t necessarily translate to the ruthless efficiency required at the international level, where there is little room for error.

Does Brazil Need Neymar?  

Neymar’s injury during the Uruguay match reignited debates about his relevance to Brazil’s future. While Neymar’s career statistics are impressive, they mask deeper issues: inconsistency, poor leadership, and a fragile mentality under pressure. He was expected to follow in the footsteps of Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Kaka, but instead, Neymar's focus on off-field distractions has often overshadowed his talent. His failure to deliver in critical moments has eroded public confidence.  

With age and injuries catching up to him, Neymar’s influence on the team is waning. Moving forward, Brazil needs to rebuild without him, focusing on nurturing a new generation of stars. Players like Vinícius Junior and Rodrygo can lead the attack, provided they are guided by a coach who emphasizes both tactical clarity and mental resilience.

A Call for Structural Reform  

Brazilian football's malaise extends beyond just the choice of coach or reliance on Neymar. The Seleção’s think tank must adopt a coherent long-term vision, especially as they prepare for the 2024 Copa America and the 2026 World Cup. A proven manager like Carlo Ancelotti or José Mourinho —if available—could offer the right blend of tactical acumen and man-management skills. Both coaches understand the importance of mental discipline and could restore Brazil's competitive edge.

Brazil can no longer afford to chase romantic notions of “joga bonito” alone, as exemplified by the teams of 1982 or the Dutch side of 1974. In modern football, winning matters more than aesthetics. Tactical innovation must serve a pragmatic purpose—winning trophies, not just hearts.  

The Path Forward  

The failure of Fernando Diniz's tactics at the international level signals that Brazilian football must evolve. The appointment of  Ancelotti —if it materializes—offers a glimmer of hope, but Brazil’s success will ultimately depend on structural reforms, clearer tactics, and a renewed focus on mental toughness. The days of relying on individual brilliance are over. What Brazil needs now is a team built on discipline, cohesion, and adaptability—qualities that have eluded them for far too long.  

Brazil must now decide: Will they cling to nostalgia, or will they embrace the future with clarity and purpose? Without bold decisions, the Selecao risks becoming a fading power, struggling to reclaim its place among football's elite.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

The Mirage of Greatness: Pakistan’s Cricketing Woes Under The Spotlight

Pakistan cricket has long been a theatre of hope, a team that tantalizes its fans with glimpses of brilliance before slipping into mediocrity. But this current Pakistan squad seems to embody a deeper frustration, a far cry from the imperious sides of the 80s and 90s that once dominated the cricketing landscape. The swagger of yesteryear, when Pakistan seemed to walk on water, has given way to inconsistency—especially against top-tier opponents.  

Their record against lesser teams—Nepal, Afghanistan, Ireland, or an out-of-sorts Sri Lanka—offers fleeting comfort. But when the stakes are high and the opponents formidable, the harsh reality surfaces: this is a side that struggles to punch above its weight.  

Déjà Vu at Bangalore: Familiar Errors, Same Punishment

Four years ago at Taunton, during the 2019 World Cup, a pivotal drop proved costly. David Warner was gifted a life, and he responded with a match-winning century. Fast forward to 2023 at Bangalore, and Pakistan repeated the same blunder. Usama Mir, the man who replaced Shadab Khan—another player haunted by errors in Taunton—fluffed a straightforward chance to dismiss Warner again. Predictably, Warner made them pay, with Mitchell Marsh joining the feast to carve up Pakistan’s bowling attack.  

Pakistan’s pacers, touted as heirs to legends like Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, and Waqar Younis, were anything but lethal. Hasan Ali lost his line like a ship without a compass, and Haris Rauf’s obsession with raw pace rendered him ineffective, more mirage than menace. The spinners, too, lacked control—Usama Mir looked lost on the field, while Mohammad Nawaz offered loose deliveries like a minister handing out election freebies.  

The parallels between Taunton and Bangalore are stark: an opportunity lost, punishment dealt, and a team undone by their own sloppiness. The fielding was as shambolic as ever, a throwback to that nightmarish game four years ago. Dropped catches, fumbles, and lazy singles mirrored the traffic chaos of Dhaka, where disorder reigns despite every good intention.  

And at the centre of this storm stood Babar Azam, looking more like a forlorn captain than an inspiring leader. He seemed as lost in Bangalore as Sarfaraz Ahmed once did at Taunton—bereft of plans, grasping for solutions that never came, with the weight of expectation heavier than ever.  

Shaheen's Fireworks in Vain

There was a glimmer of fight, though, from Shaheen Shah Afridi, whose five-wicket haul briefly resuscitated Pakistan’s hopes. Like Mohammad Amir’s spell at Taunton in 2019, Shaheen’s brilliance felt like a lone battle in an otherwise chaotic campaign. But cricket, especially at this level, demands more than individual sparks—it demands collective resilience.  

Oscillation Between Promise and Collapse

Pakistan’s chase reflected the same inconsistency that has become their hallmark. Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq began with calm assurance, stitching together 134 runs in just 21 overs. But then came the collapse—Shafique’s casual dismissal acted as a catalyst for a familiar unravelling. Imam and Babar, panicking under pressure, followed him back to the pavilion in quick succession, leaving the middle order to rescue yet another sinking ship.  

Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel tried to summon the magic that had worked against Sri Lanka, but Australia is no Sri Lanka. Where Sri Lanka had folded, Australia squeezed, knowing well that Pakistan’s fragile mindset would shatter under scrutiny. And shatter it did.  

A Fateful Evening in Bangalore

Australia's victory was clinical, almost inevitable. Pakistan's lapses in the field and muddled bowling choices sealed their fate long before the final runs were scored. This loss, reminiscent of their 1996 World Cup quarterfinal defeat at the same venue against India, carried the bitter taste of history repeating itself.  

With this defeat, Pakistan's hopes of reaching the semi-finals look increasingly remote. Their campaign, which began with so much promise, now teeters on the brink of irrelevance. Once again, fans are left pondering the same age-old question: how long will they continue to live off memories of a glorious past while watching a team incapable of delivering when it matters most?  

Thank You

Faisal Caesar