Happy Birthday, Virat Kohli: Putting 49th ton aside for a moment, will we get to see Virat 'the bowler' in action?

Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli & Co. face South Africa on November 5 in Kolkata, as the race to the World Cup 2023 semis unfolds.

Virat Kohli, the wrong-footed menace

Will Virat Kohli ever go past Sachin Tendulkar's record of 49 ODI tons? The answer would be an easy 'yes'. Will he do this before the World Cup 2023 concludes? Considering he has already amassed close to 450 runs in only 7 games, his form does suggest that the chances are high of that happening. And will we get to see him matching the Little Master's record on his 35th birthday in the World Cup 2023? Kolkata's Eden Gardens and the whole world beyond await just that and nothing else.

But if you put the landmark century aside for a moment, it's highly possible that the India vs South Africa game on Sunday, November 5, will bear witness to another momentous occasion featuring King Kohli. Only a couple of days ago, the crowd at Mumbai's Wankhede demanded that Virat Kohli be given the ball so that he could whip up a few of trademark 'skiddy' ones as a bowler. The opportunity seemed almost timely for Kohli to return to his bowling roots, considering that Sri Lanka was being demolished by the Indian pace attack. But it wasn't to be and the Kohli fans eventually did return empty-handed, tragically.

A few days prior to that, Virat Kohli did pick up the ball to complete injured Hardik Pandya's over to bowl three deliveries, giving away two runs. Fans, though, want to see him bowling one full over, at the least.

Also Read: On Virat Kohli's 35th birthday, Eden Gardens decks up with a classy tribute to the talisman

However, they needn't feel completely dejected just as yet because Team India head coach, Rahul Dravid, has hinted not-so-subtly that the team is looking quite clearly at a sixth bowling option in the forthcoming games, should the need occur. Describing this player as a "wrong-footed, in-swinging menace," a chirpy Rahul Dravid said that with the crowd behind him, a couple of overs are definitely part of Virat Kohli's new portfolio.

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In all the game thus far, the Indian bowling unit has been at its absolute potent best and the need for a part-time bowler hasn't been felt. But, should there be any scope for some "menace" to be caused, the Eden Gardens, the iconic venue, could be just the right place for Virat Kohli.

Interestingly, the batter's wife and actor Anushka Sharma took to social media to wish him a happy birthday, in which she referred to a rather unique bowling figure that he has to his name. While she made no hints about him returning as a bowler on Sunday, it does feel like the post comes as a manifestation of some kind. So, lots to look forward to!

India faces South Africa on November 5 in Kolkata. Both teams are currently in great form and are looking to grab that top spot before the race the semis comes to an end.

Also Read: Virat Kohli gets a new haircut on his birthday; social media users say ‘just looking like a wow’

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