IND vs PAK: "They Will Panic If I Take Haris Rauf Down": Virat Kohli Reveals Strategy In Death Overs

While fighting back emotions, Virat Kohli led India to a thrilling victory over Pakistan. At the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Kohli, who has a strong record against Pakistan in T20 World Cups, delivered one of the best innings of his career as he batted until the very end to help India overcome Pakistan by four wickets in a thrilling match (MCG).

After the match, an emotional Kohli revealed his strategy, saying he wanted to grab Pakistan off guard by taking on Pakistan speedster Haris Rauf.

To lead India to a thrilling last-ball victory, Kohli scored a brilliant 82 from 53 balls and was unbeaten all the way through. At 31 for 4, India was in a precarious situation with Kohli and Pandya both out in the middle. By putting together a 113-run partnership for the fifth wicket, both players masterminded an incredible comeback for their team.

When Kohli eventually found his rhythm after a sluggish start, he launched a comeback against Nawaz by hitting three sixes in one over off Pandya. Five over remain and 60 runs are still required. With 16 remaining from the penultimate over, Kohli hit two sixes off Haris Rauf with 28 needed off eight balls.

Kohli blasted another six during the frenetic, breathless final over off a no-ball, then sprinted three before being bowled off the subsequent free shot.

“I kept believing in myself”: Virat Kohli

Later, when discussing the two-shot takedown with presenter Jatin Sapru and former Cricketer Irfan Pathan on Star Sports, Kohli said,

Loss for words but never at a loss for some ? batting!

Get a sneak peek into #ViratKohli’s strategy in the #GreatestRivalry & catch more discussions about his ? only on:#CricketLIVE: Every matchday | Star Sports & Disney+Hotstar pic.twitter.com/ySyMC1eceh

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 24, 2022

“I kept believing in myself. Those last two shots to Haris Rauf was the time I told myself, kept talking to myself saying, ‘You have to hit two sixes now otherwise there is no chance you are going to win this game.’

“And I told Hardik Pandya if we can go after him and if he goes for a big over, they will panic big time. And that is exactly what happened.”

India beat Pakistan by 4 wickets as Kohli took the initiative, scoring 82* with 6 fours and 4 sixes to go along with the Player of the Match award.

Also Read: Watch: Virat Kohli Hits A Straight Six Off Haris Rauf To Bring India Back Into The Game Against Pakistan In ICC T20 World Cup 2022 Match