Virat Kohli has been India's biggest success story in 2014. When the team itself suffered several lows, including humiliating Test defeats in New Zealand, England and Australia besides failing to impress in the Asia Cup. But Kohli has been like a breath of fresh air for Indian fans, scoring and sledging heavily. At the end of an immensely successful year, at least personally, Kohli took to Twitter to wish his fans and friends Happy New Year.
Kohli slammed four hundreds in 2014 and was the third highest scorer with 1054 runs from 21 games. He had a poor Test and ODI series in England but bounced back against Australia, hammering three hundreds in as many Tests to highlight his wild talent. And when Mahendra Singh Dhoni announced his retirement from the five-day format, the brash and aggressive Kohli was the obvious choice to lead India at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground for the fourth and final match of the series vs Australia.
Kohli has of course proven credentials as captain - he led India to 5-0 whitewashes over Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka and has constantly stressed on the need to be ruthless. The team responded well under him and even came close to a rare Test win Down Under when led by Kohli, the tourists almost chased down 364 at the Adelaide Oval. The world had started to take notice of Kohli the leader.
Little wonder then that he feels content and happy with a fantastic year behind him. However, the next year will be laden with stiff challenges. For starters, he will be keenly watched as he leads Team India out on the SCG. Kohli's form in the World Cup will be crucial too - without Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh and Virender Sehwag, the Delhi dasher will be expected to lead the batting group, along with Dhoni and Suresh Raina.
What does 2015 have in store for Kohli? More runs? More sledging? More accolades? Time will tell.