Seems like former skipper Virat Kohli is getting back in the groove, a crucial knock of 35 against arch rivals Pakistan, followed by a sensational half century against Hong Kong. Over the couple of years, Kohli had a string of low scores and a lot of veterans were doubting his presence in the team.
Moreover, in the opener of the Asia Cup, Kohli also completed 100 T20I matches, the first Indian to do so in all formats and second after Ross Taylor, he has scored 3,402 runs at an average of just above 50, the highest in the format for any player. He has scored 31 half centuries in the shortest format, with 94* as his best score.
However, after the game against Hong Kong, former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir has spoken about Kohli’s innings.
“Probably this is not the right opposition to judge Virat Kohli or any batter. But the runs were important. You have to go out in the middle and put an effort to score runs, whoever the opposition might be,” said Gambhir during an interaction on Star Sports.
“If you want to judge whether he was seen in that rhythm or will come in that rhythm, I hope he will be seen in better rhythm in upcoming matches, because it was not that sort of quality bowling. But it’s a 60-run knock. Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul also had opportunities but Virat Kohli scored 60 runs, KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma could not do that. You will get confidence only by the hard work you put in the middle. Virat Kohli needed an innings like this because he is coming back after a gap. Because it is never easy for a player. In the first match, there was help for the fast bowlers from the pitch, opposition was tough, it was a better bowling line-up, but in the matches that will come ahead, whether it is Afghanistan or Pakistan, Virat Kohli will look in better rhythm now.” added the cricketer turned politician.
India will be facing the winner of Pakistan vs Hong Kong on Sunday as part of the Super 4 in the DP Asia Cup.
