Virat Kohli Remains Dhoni's Go-to Man; Respect Him, Demands Girlfriend Anushka Sharma

India's crushing victory over Ireland in Hamilton on Tuesday was scripted by Shikhar Dhawan's chancy 85-ball 100 but at the end of the day, it was Virat Kohli's classy drives that ensured the defending champions got home with plenty to spare. Girlfriend Anushka Sharma feels Kohli must get the respect he deserves. (Virat Kohli Controversy)

India don't have happy memories of New Zealand. Kohli was among top Indian batsmen who had failed when the two nations met in a bilateral series in 2014. But on Tuesday, India looked a galvanised unit with Dhawan leading a run chase and Kohli laying the coup de grace 42-ball 44 not out. There were no signs of jet-lag or tiredness as India flew into Hamilton for their first game on the Kiwi leg of the Cup. (Kohli in Trouble After Scribe Reports Boorish Behaviour to ICC)

After Dhawan and Rohit Sharma scored a record 174-run opening stand, Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane smashed 70 runs off 9.1 overs to complete the formalities. Both batsmen played classic strokes but Kohli was in punishing mood, smashing four exquisite boundaries on the up and piercing the cover region. A length ball from Thompson was dispatched for a massive six over long-on. It was utter disdain for poor bowling. (Kohli Faces Media Backlash)

Kohli's 44 made a solid statement. In the tri-series just before the World Cup, he could barely put bat to ball. There were question marks over his ability to play on bouncy pitches against quality pacers. But India's title defence has brought out the best in him.

The 107 against Pakistan in the opening clash was not fluent, but important in the context of India's campaign. Kohli made headlines for the wrong reasons for abusing a journalist. He was even reprimanded by the BCCI.

Since then, Kohli has let his bat do all the talking. After an assured 33 on a quick Perth pitch against a charged-up West Indian pace battery, Kohli helped himself to more runs against the Irish pacer on a pitch that was two-paced for most part of the game.

Kohli is now the second highest run-scorer for India in this World Cup, with 263 runs from at an average of 87.6. He is only 70 behind leader Dhawan and there is no reason why the 26-year-old cannot finish as the top scorer in the tournament. Like Anushka told NDTV on Monday, "these guys breathe and live cricket... Let them stay as adults"

Anushka had been at the receiving end of distasteful jokes after Kohli's poor form in England and the ODIs in Australia. But she hit back at detractors, calling those comments "primitive".

The Bollywood star said: "Why should I be responsible for Virat's performance on the field? It's primitive to call me a distraction."

Both Virat and Anushka are clear on one thing - success and failure in their professional lives have nothing to do with their relationship.

India need Virat Kohli in this World Cup. The media needs to be circumspect now.