Sportskeeda Awards 2014: Best Performance of the Year nominees
The year 2014 saw a number of great performances in sport that saw sportsmen break not only the norm but also records in the process. We take a look at some of the most special performances by individuals in the major sporting events that took place in the past year.From one of footballs most glorious events to some sublime performances Down Under, to dominating the hardwood in Loud City to the deserts of Bahrain here are the nominees for the Best Performance of the Year.Please VOTE for who you think should win the award at the end of the slideshow.
#1 Cricket: Virat Kohli\'s twin centuries vs Australia
With MS Dhoni unfit to start the first test in India’s tour of Australia, Virat Kohli was named the stand-in captain and he almost stood up and delivered in his first test as captain. Australia put up a daunting total of 517 in the first innings before declaring. India put up a fight with batsmen like Murali Vijay, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane getting 50s. But they were unable to capitalize on promising starts.
But Kohli stood tall and scored a crucial 115 which kept India in the game and took India to 444. Australia replied and put up 290 on the scoreboard (David Warner also scored back-to-back centuries in the match) to give India a stiff target of 364. This time Murali Vijay kept Kohli copany on the middle until he fell on 99. Kohli took India closer to the target with an Indian win very much possible while he was still at the crease.
But a lofted shot to deep midwicket saw Kohli fall after making a magnificent 141, thereby shattering any hopes of a comeback as the Australian bowlers cleaned up the Indian tail to win the match by 48 runs. Kohli’s performance was lauded by one and all and he set a number of records in the process, especially for a plaayer on his captaincy debut.