IND vs AFG: Virat Kohli Unveils Pre-match Routine Before Iconic 82-Run Knock Against Pakistan In T20 WC 2022
Published - 13 Jan 2024, 06:37 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:25 AM
Former Indian skipper Virat Kohli opened up about his memorable unbeaten knock against Pakistan during the 2022 T20 World Cup in Melbourne. Virat Kohli revealed how he prepared for the crucial encounter against archrival Pakistan in the marquee tournament.
Virat Kohli delivered a masterful performance and snatched victory from the jaws of defeat at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The star batter scored 82 runs off 53 deliveries, including six boundaries and four maximums, while chasing a 160-run target.
I Take An Afternoon Nap – Virat Kohli
In a recent interview with Star Sports, Virat Kohli shared insights into his T20 routine, revealing a disciplined approach to match preparation. Kohli emphasized the significance of taking an afternoon nap as part of his preparation for T20 cricket.
“I woke up at 7:30 or 8 and made myself a couple of cups of coffee and breakfast. Surprisingly, I was getting into a routine before every game. I used to go to the gym for mobility exercises, stretches, and stuff. In T20 cricket, I take an afternoon nap,” Kohli told Star Sports.
I Very Keenly Look For A Moment – Virat Kohli
The 35-year-old expressed his surprise at the early wicket losses during the run chase and apologized to Axar Patel after the run-out. Kohli underscored the significance of seizing the moment and establishing a partnership with Hardik Pandya.
“I had not expected that we would lose four wickets so early. I said sorry to Axar; it was my fault. It was spiralling down even further. Looking at the batting lineup, you generally think, ‘Who’s left now’. I could not understand what was happening. There was a run out, and we were 4/45, and I was batting on 12 off 21 balls. It couldn’t be worse than this,” Kohli added.
“My first words to him (Hardik Pandya) were let’s build a partnership. I very keenly look for a moment where people are arguing over something on the field. That is the time I usually try to capitalise. We had taken the game deep, and this was the time when we needed to capitalise. We got back-to-back fours, so we were on the right track.”
India lost three wickets for just 26 runs in the run chase, with Axar Patel getting run out following a mix-up with Virat Kohli. Kohli then forged a remarkable 113-run partnership with Hardik Pandya for the fifth wicket, rescuing the team from a challenging situation.
The Indian team needed 31 runs off 12 balls, with Haris Rauf bowling the penultimate over of the game. The Pakistan pacer conceded just three runs off the first four balls in the 19th over. However, Kohli hit two consecutive sixes to bring India back into contention.
Virat Kohli was given rest for the first T20I of the ongoing three-match home series against Afghanistan. The ace batter will return to the team for the second T20I match, scheduled to be played at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on Sunday, January 14.
