Last Update on: October 22nd, 2022 at 01:36 pm
Team India will enter the mega tournament as one of the top contenders with a strong and balanced squad. The Rohit Sharma-led team will take on arch-rivals Pakistan in their opening encounter of the ICC T20 World Cup Super 12 stage at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne on Sunday, October 23.
Virat Kohli missed the optional practice session on Friday but was seen in the nets on Saturday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The former India captain was joined by Yuzvendra Chahal, who was also sweating it out at the nets. The 33-year-old right-handed batter was struggling to score runs in the first half of 2022 but regained his form during the Asia Cup 2022 in the United Arab Emirates.
Watch: Virat Kohli Reverse Sweeps Yuzvendra Chahal
A huge crowd gathered around the practice area to watch the Indian stars prepare for their much-anticipated encounter with Pakistan. The supporters made a lot of noise with trumpets and whistles to cheer for Rohit and Kohli.
When Kohli batted in the nets, supporters chanted “Vande Mataram”, and the right-handed batter responded with a reverse sweep against leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal.
Virat Kohli attempts a reverse sweep against Yuzvendra Chahal#HTExclusive @IamSomshuvra pic.twitter.com/bej9G1W2JJ
— HT Sports (@HTSportsNews) October 22, 2022
“Australia doesn’t feel alien to me. The World Cup is a different emotion, you play only for these moments,” Kohli said ahead of India’s World Cup opener.
Virat is one of India’s most experienced players in the 15-member squad, with a stellar batting record in T20Is in Australia. The 33-year-old has scored 451 runs at an average of 64.42 and a strike rate of 144.55 in 11 T20Is on Australian soil. Virat has also performed well in T20Is against Pakistan, scoring 406 runs in nine matches.
In Asia Cup 2022, Kohli scored his maiden T20I century and 71st international century almost three years later. The former Indian captain scored a total of 276 runs in five matches with the help of one century and two fifties. Virat’s return to form was the only positive for India in a forgettable campaign in the UAE.
