Virat Kohli hasn’t looked back since returning to international cricket after a six-week break. The once dominant Kohli returned to his old ways after appearing to be a pale shadow of himself a few weeks ago.
After returning to action, Kohli has scored three fifties and finally scored a century in the Asia Cup against Afghanistan, when he smashed 122 not out. The maverick Kohli is bringing back memories of his previous self with every passing innings.
In a tense series-winning chase, Kohli’s 63 guided India home in another big milestone in his emergence. Kohli remained almost until the end to make sure India did not fumble thanks to Suryakumar Yadav’s knock of 69. India’s chase-master was closest to returning when Kohli played that game.
With the T20 World Cup just around the corner, Kohli’s timely return to form is encouraging for India. R Sridhar, who witnessed Kohli at his peak, hailed Kohli 2.0 as a huge improvement in Virat, his batting, fielding, as well as his overall mindset and headspace.
The break has done him wonders; the time spent with his family has done him wonders. He has been in a better place now. Like he admitted himself, he probably wasn’t in the right frame of mind. It was evident right away at the Asia Cup against Pakistan that he could do well,” Sridhar said.
That’s right. He looked like a million bucks as he scored 35 against Pakistan. Following that, he scored consecutive half-centuries against Hong Kong and Pakistan during the Super 4 match. After failing to score in India’s next game against Sri Lanka, Kohli ended the tournament on a high by scoring a dazzling century against Afghanistan. While Sridhar was in the house, Kohli scored a defiant fifty in the Australia series. With three more matches against South Africa to go, their opponents will not enjoy reading this verdict.
In my opinion, after watching him bat from ringside in Hyderabad, you can safely say that the king is back. He has a great mindset, is fielding like a panther, and is batting brilliantly as well. All in all, it augurs extremely well for Indian cricket at the World Cup.”