A very special day for Kohli

MOHALI: It is Virat Kohli’s birthday today, an occasion made doubly delightful by the fact that he will mark it by tossing his first coin on Indian soil as Test captain.

“It’s a very special day, my first Test as captain at home. Very special. And it’s my birthday,” he proudly beamed.

Kohli, 27 years wise today, has been labelled as a slightly more volatile leader than most, but he says that he is growing up.

Today, he will look to mark his ultra-special day with something even more special. But, he will do so in a more controlled manner, even if the fire of passion rages inside.

“I guess I wasted too much energy before on being too expressive on the field, but they say that you get smarter with age. I also have 40 grey hairs in my beard since being captain,” he joked.

Being India’s skipper will age you in a hurry. Mohammed Azharrudin lost his innocence, Sauruv Ganguly lost his sense of humour, Sachin Tendulkar his innocence. Dhoni lost his hair, and Kohli is keen not to lose his head in the process.

Kohli’s presser yesterday was streamed live on Facebook, and 50 000 fanatics tuned in wherever they were; boardrooms, restaurants, rest rooms – everything he utters matters that much.

Of course, South Africa will shake his hand, pass on their pleasantries, and then look to poop the party with bat or ball. So not quite everyone in India is hoping for a Virat good day today.

That’s cricket for you.