Virat Kohli Reveals What AB De Villiers Told Him Before The Second T20I Against England
Published - 15 Mar 2021, 12:37 AM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:42 AM
Indian captain Virat Kohli roared back to form as he mustered a composed and confident half-century to guide India to a series-levelling victory for India. Virat Kohli strongly overcame from scoring two successive ducks in international cricket to hammer England by seven wickets in the second T20I in Ahmedabad. The 32-year old revealed speaking to AB De Villiers before the match to seek advice.
AB De Villiers and Virat Kohli are indeed the best of buddies as they have plied trade together in IPL for the Royal Challengers Bangalore for quite a few years now. The iconic pair might not have been able to usher the franchise to an IPL crown; however, they have forged several successful partnerships and destroyed oppositions. Thus, they have indeed become one of the most terrifying duos for the rivals.
Thus, AB De Villiers told Virat Kohli to merely watch the ball to get back to his best. The right-handed batsman would have possibly followed it and success arrived as he shut his critics to master the chase of 165 against England. Kohli’s half-century was integral in leading India to a seven-wicket victory after they suffered an eight-wicket tonking in the first T20I. He remained unbeaten at 73 off 49 balls. “I had a special chat with AB de Villiers before this game and he told me just to watch the ball. So I did!” Kohli stated in the post-match presentation.
Virat Kohli became the first batsman to reach 3000 runs in T20I cricket:
In the process, Virat Kohli also became the first batsman in T20 internationals to reach 3000 runs. Walking into the second T20I, he was 72 runs short of the landmark and did so by hitting the winning shot for a six and sealing the game for the men in blue. He shared a 94-run stand to set the match up for the home side.
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