After a prolonged slump earlier in 2022, Virat Kohli, Team India’s top batter, made a fantastic comeback the previous year. After nearly three years without reaching the century mark in international cricket, Virat Kohli finally achieved the milestone in the Asia Cup match against Afghanistan. He then went on to score one of the best T20I knocks in history in the T20 World Cup, going unbeaten for 82 runs off 53 deliveries in the group stage match against Pakistan.
While India was reeling at 31/4 in their 160-run chase, Kohli maintained one end and was the aggressor in a 113-run partnership with Hardik Pandya. This performance has been widely regarded as the best T20I effort of all time. As India needed 28 runs off 8 deliveries to win the match, Kohli smashed Haris Rauf for two amazing sixes off consecutive deliveries.
What did Mishabh-ul-Haq say about Virat Kohli?
Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq disagrees with the popular opinion that Kohli’s century against Pakistan signalled the beginning of the Indian batsman’s comeback, saying instead that Kohli found his touch during the Asia Cup.
“Temperament and self-belief; when you have these things, you can produce an innings like that,” Misbah told SportsYaari when asked about Kohli’s knock.
“You think that was Virat’s revival but I believe it began in the Asia Cup. He regained his touch in that tournament. Self belief is very important. You needed around 40 runs in two overs against a top-class bowling attack on a tough wicket. Hardik (Pandya) is also a top-class player, but he lost his shape that day. He went hard but he couldn’t middle the ball properly. If you have the right temperament and remain focussed, you can cash in on the opportunity. Kohli was in his zone, and the two sixes he hit against Haris (Rauf) changed the game,” Misbah further said.
