5 reasons why Kohli will become the greatest of all time

Typically, comparing great batsmen of different eras entails looking at key statistics such as the overall batting average, centuries scored in a winning cause, and conversion rates. But, rarely are a batsman's qualitative attributes considered in determining his greatness. Here are five compelling reasons why Kohli is a great batsman and is on his way to becoming the greatest of all time.

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5) Temperament

One of the keys to Kohli's batting success has been his temperament. His concentration and application remain unflinching throughout his innings. It's hard to guess whether Kohli's batting on zero or eighty. He never lets the moment affect his concentration. Opponents try to sledge him in an attempt to affect his concentration. He makes them pay for it almost all the time.

4) Competitiveness

England v India: Specsavers 3rd Test - Day Four

Kohli relishes a challenge like no other batsman. A prime example of this is the way he took up the challenge of overcoming his poor batting record in England. Observers, including distinguished former great cricketers like Glen Mcgrath, had cast doubt over Kohli's ability to succeed in England. They pointed to swing and seam-friendly conditions and the challenge of facing the most feared bowler in those conditions- James Anderson.

By the end of the third Test, in the ongoing India vs England Test series in England, Kohli had put to rest all those doubts. He has scored more than 400 runs, so far, and has become the highest run scorer, of either team, by some distance.

3) Adaptability

England v India: Specsavers 3rd Test - Day Three

Another testament to Kohli's greatness is his incredible success across all formats of the game. He averages over or near 50 in all the formats. Modern day cricket requires professional cricketers to be able to play shorter and longer formats of the game almost concurrently.

The skills and temperament required to succeed in these formats couldn't be more different. Kohli switches from one format to another seamlessly. He absorbs the pressure, makes the necessary technical adjustments to his batting, focuses on his task and gets on with it. It's truly a tribute to his incredible mental strength.

2) Determination

England v India: Specsavers 3rd Test - Day Three

Virat Kohli's determination to win is unparalleled. He is dogged in his determination to will his team to win. He never points to alien conditions, on overseas tours, as an excuse for his batting failures. In fact, he challenges himself to playing well in difficult conditions, and, he rarely disappoints. His determination, to succeed under any circumstances, makes him unique even among the greats.

1) Leadership

England v India: Specsavers 1st Test - Day Two

The #1 reason why Kohli is the best is- he leads by example. He doesn't simply score runs for himself. He scores for the team's cause. The fact that most of his centuries have come in a winning cause for India reflects the value of his contributions.

There is no question that his batting record, already, puts him among the greats. But it's because of these five qualitative attributes that Kohli will be known as the greatest of all time!