Picture : BCCI/ Twitter
Yes, It has been a long wait – three years – for a International hundred from the blade of Superstar Virat Kohli . And finally the wait was over in the Asia Cup 2022 against Afghanistan in Dubai. His unbeaten 122 Off 61 balls ( his 71st overall and first in T20 format) finally put to rest all doubts about his recent / rather constant reports of his form and some even questioning his presence in the side .
It was not that Virat Kohli suddenly became a bad player when he was not getting those hundreds . He had scored of 50s, 60s , 70s even 80s but the big one somehow never came . “I batted out of my skin to be honest and I surprised myself. What surprised me was my 60s became failures; quite shocking for me, batting pretty well and contributing but doesn’t seem to be enough,” Kohli was quoted as saying .
1020 days was a really long wait. He waited and along with him, India too waited since Virat Kohli was no ordinary batsman – A superstar and one of the greatest of the modern era.
Moreover, the pressure to score a hundred had become more after he was replaced by Rohit Sharma as India skipper in all formats – Tests, ODI, T20I’s . Hopefully the to against Afghanistan has now down wonders to his mental strength and self- belief. He should be now clam and composed now that the jink has been finally broken .
“Last two and a half years have taught me a lot. I am going to turn 34 in a month. So those angry celebrations are a thing of the past,” a smiling Kohli was quoted as saying during the innings break of India’s last Asia Cup match against Afghanistan.
On the mic with @imVkohli & @ImRo45 🎙️
You definitely do not want to miss this one folks 😎👌🏻
Coming soon on https://t.co/Z3MPyeKtDz 🎥#TeamIndia | #AsiaCup2022 | #INDvAFG pic.twitter.com/DKTR7iHOF9
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 8, 2022
There had been lot of rumours of all is not well between Virat and Rohit After the latter had replaced him as skipper . Bbut Virat had put to rest all this nonsense talk when he was all praise for skipper Rohit Sharma. Lauding his successor for the kind of ‘communication’ he has had with him which has helped him stay relaxed and get back among the runs.
The milestone we’d all been waiting for and here it is!
71st International Century for @imVkohli 🔥💥#AsiaCup2022 #INDvAFGpic.twitter.com/hnjA953zg9
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 8, 2022
The Asia Cup for Kohli was all about adding dimensions to his batting, including his approach between overs 7-15, and he got some handy advice from head coach Rahul Dravid. “Rahul bhai has spoken to me while batting in middle overs, how can I improve my strike-rate when we bat first. The goal was the things I need to improve in order to help the team, I should try it out in Asia Cup,” he said.
Well the Asia Cup 2022 saw a new Virat Kohli too . The angry young man looked transformed with a smile and relaxed body language . It was a pleasing sight to see him enjoy his cricket .
With the T20 World 2022 Coming in Australia later this year and the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023 in India , Indian cricket fans would be hoping that King Kohli as Virat is fondly called is back to his best . If India is to fare well in the two big mega events coming up then Virat Kohli will have major role to play .
The sight of a supremely fit Virat Kohli pumped up and ready for the battle and hitting those thunderous cover drives and pulls shots with effortless ease makes him a very special player and among the greats of the modern era. So , welcome back King Kohli .
