India National Cricket Team batting great Virat Kohli showcased a batting masterclass in the high-octane clash against Pakistan National Cricket Team on Sunday, February 23.
The match between arch-rivals India National Cricket Team and Pakistan National Cricket Team was hosted by the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Virat Kohli wins Player of the Match award for his heroics
Kohli had a night to remember as he played a sensational innings against his favorite opposition, Pakistan. While chasing 242, Kohli took his time and played cautiously in the initial half of his innings.
The modern-day batting great denied taking any risk and mostly played grounded shots. He was challenged by the Pakistan pacers and spinners but he didn’t lose his focus.
Kohli took the game deep and was involved in brilliant partnerships with Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and Axar Patel. He stayed in the middle till the end and smashed a four to complete a ton and finish the match.
Speaking during the post-match presentation ceremony, Virat Kohli, who won the Player of the Match award for his 100-run knock, said that he felt good to contribute in a match where they lost Rohit Sharma early. He said:
“To be honest, it feels good to be able to bat in that manner in an important game to seal qualification. Feels good to contribute in a game where we lost Rohit early, had to put in the understanding of what we learned in the last game.”
My keynotes to myself to put my 100% every ball in the field, and then God eventually rewards you – Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli further said that he wanted to control the middle overs and Shreyas Iyer provided him with good support. He also stated that he stays present and always gives his 100% on the field for his team, for which he usually gets rewarded.
“My job was to control the middle overs against the spinners without taking too many risks, towards the end Shreyas accelerated and I got a few boundaries as well. It allowed me to play my usual ODI game.”
“I have a decent understanding of my game, it is about keeping the outside noise away, staying in my space and taking care of my energy levels and thoughts,” Virat Kohli said.
“Very easy to get pulled into the expectations. My job is to stay in the present and do a job for the team. My keynotes to myself to put my 100% every ball in the field, and then God eventually rewards you. Having clarity is important, it was important to understand that you need to get runs when there is pace on the ball, otherwise the spinners can dictate things.”
There’s a reason he’s the number one batter of the world – Virat Kohli
Kohli further showered rich praise on World No.1 batter Shubman Gill and star middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer. He said:
“Shubman did well against Shaheen, took him up. There’s a reason he’s the number one batter of the world. It was necessary to get about 60-70 runs in the powerplay, or we’d always be chasing the game. And there Shreyas is really coming into his own at number 4. Did well in India, and now out here as well.”
Virat Kohli signed off by saying that he’s happy that they have a good break ahead of their next game, as he is 36 years old and likes time off. He said:
“(On having a week off) To be honest, at 36, it feels really good. Will put my feet up for a few days as it takes a lot out of me to put that kind of effort into every game.”
