Defeat to Punjab was a good reality check: Kohli

When God was expected to interrupt the proceedings in the match between the Kings XI Punjab and the Royal Challengers Bangalore at the picturesque Dharamsala stadium on Tuesday, it was the demigod named Adam Gilchrist who generated lightning with his array of strokes and showered fours and sixes. 

The Kings XI skipper bludgeoned 106 runs in mere 55 deliveries, which tore the RCB bowling apart with his fierce hitting. And by the time the southpaw made his way back to the pavilion, the scoreboard read one of the highest totals (231) that have been made in the IPL history so far. And their emphatic 111-run victory also ensured that their chances of qualifying for the playoffs are still alive.

And although the cricket buffs would have enjoyed Gilchrist's power-packed knock, it's his return to form that must be more satisfying to one and all. We all know what an in-form Gilchrist can do. And Tuesday night's massacre was just a glimpse of the Australian's capability.

Gilly's knock was so electrifying that even Chris Gayle, whose blazing form has been instrumental in changing the fortunes of RCB since he joined their squad, looked to be in awe of the Kings XI skipper. 

Gilchrist's innings had also overshadowed what was an equally impressive essay (79 off 49 balls) by his fellow Australian Shaun Marsh. While Gilchrist started plundering runs from the outset, Marsh took time to get his eye in and once set, he too opened his arms and launched a full-throttle attack on the opposition bowlers. His 30-run battering in an over of Johan van der Wath was of the highest pedigree. 

The duo also scripted a record-breaking stand (206 off 96 deliveries) for the second wicket in the history of Twenty20 cricket. The previous record was held by South Africa's Graeme Smith and Loots Bosman against England in 2009.

And though Gilchrist has played a pivotal role in his team's comeback, as a leader and as a batsman, it's not the only thing that stands out about the Aussie great. 

His desire to play the game in the fairest possible manner is one of the things that any budding cricketer should inherit. His walking back, when the umpire adjudged him not out during the 2003 World Cup semi-final against Sri Lanka, has become a part of the folklore now.

Saba Karim, the former Indian wicket-keeper batsman and now a part of an expert panel analysing the IPL matches, described Gilchrist's breath-taking knock fittingly. He said, "Gilchrist you are a true legend and will be a true legend of this game." And that's what the 39-year-old has been to the game so far: a living legend!