(Credit BCCI)
In the T20 World Cup final against South Africa in Barbados, Virat Kohli crafted a masterful innings, scoring 76 runs from 59 balls. This innings marked his farewell to T20I cricket, following India’s victory in the tournament.
Initially, with India struggling at 34/3 within the powerplay, Kohli adjusted his approach to stabilize the innings. He reverted to his anchoring role, ensuring a steady buildup after the early setbacks. Partnering effectively with Axar Patel, who contributed 47 runs, Kohli orchestrated a crucial 72-run stand that laid a strong foundation for the lower order.
Later, Shivam Dube’s quickfire 27 off 16 balls bolstered India’s total, pushing it past the 175-run mark. Kohli’s strategic batting and partnership-building were pivotal in setting up India’s triumph in the final match of his T20I career.
Navjot Singh Sidhu showers accolades on Virat Kohli with glowing praise.
Navjot Singh Sidhu, the ex-Indian cricketer, effusively lauded Virat Kohli’s innings, emphasizing how Kohli rose to the occasion when India faced adversity, showcasing his finest skills for the team.
“When it mattered the most when 1.5 billion Indians were praying for victory and hoping that we don’t choke at the final hurdle, he stood like the rock of Gibraltar in the sea of ruins. He kept one end intact and delivered the World Cup crown by performing when India’s ship was stuck” said Sidhu on Star Sports.
He emphasized Virat Kohli’s consistently aggressive batting style. Despite scoring just 75 runs in seven innings leading up to the match, Kohli delivered his best when it mattered most, contributing a crucial 76 runs for India.
“In this tournament, even when he scored 38 and 24, he didn’t let the run rate drop. There was a different kind of Virat. Virat Kohli, a man of adversity, a man of masses, a master performer, a genius” said Sidhu on the genius of Kohli.
In conclusion, he hailed Virat Kohli as the ultimate role model and a source of inspiration for millions of young people.
“For me, he will always be remembered as an icon, as the greatest inspiration, and above all, a cup of joy for billions and billions who watch cricket all over,” he said in the same interaction.
Virat Kohli bid farewell to T20I cricket with a remarkable tally of 4188 runs from 125 matches, boasting an average of 48.7 and a strike rate nearing 140. His impressive record includes 38 half-centuries and a century, with 31 not outs to his name. Currently, he stands as the second-highest run-scorer in the format, just behind Rohit Sharma (4231 runs), while Babar Azam follows closely with 4145 runs from 123 matches. Rohit has participated in 159 matches.
Following India’s T20 World Cup victory, the former Indian captain expressed immense relief and joy. He announced his retirement from T20Is shortly after the match, during his conversation with Harsha Bhogle, where he received the Man of the Match award. Kohli also cherished this triumph as one of the most meaningful moments in his career.
