The sticker on the bat has changed. The cherubic face has made way for a defined jawline that sets standards. Now, responsibilities are of gigantic proportions, reflecting in the greys of the perfectly trimmed stubble. And the youthful exuberance has experience for company.

But a few things have remained as they were when it all began. They might not have been as apparent as they are today, but this picture is a sweet reminder of the confidence Virat Kohli possessed as a youngster, something that has shaped his reputation as a master chaser over the years.

Chasing a tricky target against arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings in the 2009 semi-final, RCB needed 20 off the last three overs when MSD turned to the magician Muttiah Muralitharan who was just about beginning to enter the twilight of his career. Yet the stalwart came with a reputation of foxing the sharpest in the business.

The previous game had seen Kohli attack Murali in a modest chase. But his ability to read the situation and follow it up with tremendous self-belief was on full display in this chase, particularly this over. The way he timed the chase gave a glimpse into the days of the future.

Murali started well and the first four balls yielded just two singles. Had Murali managed to finish the over well, CSK could have had an outside chance. But that’s when Kohli decided to take him on, stepped down and clubbed a maximum over long-on hammering the final nail in the coffin. A berth in the final was sealed, courtesy their future captain and the master chaser.