Former Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq spoke about the delightful memory of Virat Kohli’s heroics which helped India secure a thrilling win over Pakistan. Virat Kohli played one of the best knocks of his career against Pakistan in their 1st match of the T20 World Cup.
Many cricket pundits and fans praised Virat Kohli’s knock as one of the best T20 knocks of all time. The Indian team was struggling at one stage losing 4 wickets for just 31 runs, then Virat Kohli stitched a partnership with Hardik Pandya which helped India to clinch a victory for India in the last ball.
Recalling the epic clash, Misbah-ul-Haq said Virat Kohli gained his form during the Asia Cup 2022, where he scored a century against Afghanistan making a return to form in International cricket.
Speaking to SportsYarri, Misbah said: “Temperament and self-belief; when you have these things, you can produce innings like that, You think that was Virat’s revival but I believe it began in the Asia Cup. He regained his touch in that tournament.”
Misbah-ul-Haq further stressed self-belief is important in that kind of situation and added that chasing 40 runs in the last two overs under the world-class bowling unit is a phenomenal achievement by the Indians.
“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 focused, 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 continued.
Virat Kohli remained calm and composed throughout his innings, the turning point in the game came Virat Kohli took Haris Rauf for two consecutive six in the 19th over, which helped India to clinch 4 wickets over Pakistan in an exciting encounter.
Sledging Is Not Nasty Anymore – Virat Kohli On Impact Of IPL
Virat Kohli believes the Indian Premier League has brought the players closer and verbal sledging is not nasty anymore as the players get to know each other playing in the IPL.
“The IPL has changed quite a few things. The cricket is still competitive but the verbals and the sledging are not nasty anymore. It has become a game of mutual respect and admiration. Still, you can say that they have the same hunger,” Virat Kohli said In a podcast with AB de Villiers.
Virat Kohli will be seen playing in the third and final ODI here on Wednesday in Chennai. As Virat Kohli had a poor outing in the two matches so far. He will contribute to the team’s success in the deciding ODI against Australia as India hasn’t lost the ODI series in the last four years on home soil.