When Virat Kohli comes in to bat with 200+ runs needed and 45 overs remaining, what happens? We already know the answer.
Kohli and the Perfection of Chasing
It was never in doubt. Kohli proved it in his own style.
“I told you, relax,” Kohli signaled to his team. He sealed the victory with a boundary. He also completed his 51st century. This message was for those concerned about his century or India’s struggle on the slow pitch.
The pitch was better, and Pakistan had only one key spinner. In such a scenario, when Kohli arrived with 200+ runs to chase, both the win and his century seemed inevitable.
Kohli’s Discipline and Hard Work
Batting carries a higher probability of failure. If scoring 30+ runs is considered success, Kohli has achieved it only 115 times in 299 innings. Still, his average surpasses that of many other players.
At 36, with limited ODI cricket and Test cricket favoring bowlers, maintaining consistency is not easy. But Kohli always keeps himself prepared.
“Whenever I feel a bit down, I remind myself to give 100% on every ball. Hard work always pays off,” Kohli said.
Strategic Batting Without Risk
When Kohli plays his natural game, these chases appear effortless. The required run rate was below 5 per over. Only one main spinner was in front. Kohli made this high-pressure match look easy.
He faced 30 balls from Abrar Ahmed, attempted just one boundary, and scored only 16 runs. His record against wrist spinners in the last five innings was not favorable.
“My role was clear: control the middle overs, attack the seamers, avoid risky shots against spinners, and keep rotating strike. Once we built a solid partnership, Shreyas Iyer accelerated, and I found a few boundaries as well. This was the exact template I follow in ODI cricket,” Kohli stated.
The Pressure of an India-Pakistan Match and Kohli’s Mindset
An India-Pakistan match carries its own intensity. Kohli said, “For me, it’s all about shutting out external noise and distractions. I focus on my energy levels and thoughts to avoid getting pulled into unnecessary expectations.”
Praise and Recognition
Kohli set multiple records in this match. His performance was not only admired by Indian fans but also acknowledged by the opposition. Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan said,
“I am in awe of Kohli’s hard work. The whole world said he was out of form. Yet, he came into a high-stakes match and scored runs effortlessly. He won the game and became the Man of the Match. We tried our best to get him out, but he outplayed us. His dedication and fitness levels are remarkable.”
Now, Virat Kohli will take two days off because “At 36, a week’s break is good.”
