India had a forgettable Asia Cup 2022. They were expected to finish in pole position but failed to even qualify for the finals. After having won both the games in the first round, India’s fortunes nosedived in the next 2 games. They lost close games against Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The mood was lost and forlorn in the Indian camp. Their final match against Afghanistan seemed purposeless on all counts. Captain, Rohit Sharma, rested himself for the game. But this provided an opportunity for something special. Here in this article, we have discussed Virat Kohli: The King Is Back!
Virat Kohli walked in as opener:
Before the T20 World Cup 2021, Kohli, the captain, was thinking to promote himself as the opener. But KL Rahul’s form in the IPL prompted him to stay back at number 3. It was a move that didn’t pay dividends. India’s tournament was over well before it even began. But the game against Afghanistan provided the think-tank with yet another opening option. Virat Kohli, the opener got off all guns blazing against Afghanistan.
The aggressive accumulator:
Virat Kohli’s numbers in the middle-overs for the past couple of years were plain disappointing. He failed to get a move against the spinners especially. But this Asia Cup, Kohli consciously stayed ahead of the curve.
He was willing to take on the spinners despite mixed results. But it all came together for him in the final game. He tore apart Mujeeb in the last over of the powerplay. Kohli was severe on Mohammad Nabi. He was exceptional against Rashid Khan. Kohli showed his class in the way he kept upping the tempo.
The best finisher:
Virat Kohli has the best strike for an Indian batsman in the last 5 overs of a T20I inning. His game built on exploding in the last five overs has helped him notch insane numbers at the death. He was in sublime touch against the Afghan attack despite other batters failing to provide any momentum. Kohli unleashed the finisher in him as he raced to a 53-ball century. It was his first in the T20I format.
King Kohli Is Back – The much-awaited century
It took more than 1000 days for Virat Kohli to break the century drought. Kohli who had made churning centuries a routine affair seemed to be bogged down with consistent conversion issues. He did make sparkling fifties but it was his own standard that went against him. The moment he notched up his 71st hundred, Kohli seemed more relieved than happy.
What does it mean for Kohli and the country?
Kohli’s timely century has again raised the expectations of him being used as a regular opener. It will surely be a sight to watch Rohit – Kohli open. Kohli can bat deep into the innings with other batters rallying around him. He has a terrific record down under. His return to form couldn’t have come at a better time for both him and the team. A roaring Kohli is just the tonic the Indian team needs on a big stage like the T20 World Cup.
