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Virat Kohli has historically been a persistent challenge for Pakistan, but the Men in Green now find themselves in a prime position to finally overcome this obstacle.

VVS Laxman harbors a few cricketing regrets, with one being the absence of a World Cup appearance. Another regret is his perceived lack of runs when India wasn’t under pressure. Unlike some of his peers, Laxman didn’t accumulate runs in seemingly ‘easy’ situations, if such conditions exist in international cricket. Instead, his remarkable innings often occurred when India faced adversity, and he seldom capitalized on opportunities when walking in at, for instance, 230 for three.

Virat Kohli has frequently drawn inspiration from Laxman’s approach, yet he has also mastered the art of scoring runs even when not under pressure. While Kohli thrives on a solid platform like any other player, his excellence extends beyond such circumstances. For over a decade and a half, he has been an exceptional batsman, consistently scoring runs against all opponents in every format of the game.

One of the former captain’s preferred adversaries is a team he encounters less frequently. Since his India debut in August 2008, Kohli has faced Pakistan only 26 times across all three international formats—16 in One-Day Internationals and 10 in Twenty20 Internationals.

Despite these infrequent clashes, Kohli has managed to etch a lasting impression on cricket enthusiasts on both sides of the border and around the world. In the 16 ODIs against Pakistan, he has amassed 678 runs at an impressive average of 52.15 and a strike rate of 100.29, including three centuries and two half-centuries. In the ten T20Is, he has accumulated 488 runs at an astounding average of 88.33 and a strike rate of 123.85. Remarkably, he has scored a half-century in every other T20 innings against Pakistan on average. It’s safe to say that facing this familiar opponent ignites Kohli’s competitive spirit like no other.

Kohli’s fiery intensity on the field is truly remarkable. Every time he steps onto the pitch, his passion for the game is palpable to even the most casual observer. It’s not just determination that shines in his eyes; he throws himself into every play with little concern for his own safety, and his emotions simmer just beneath the surface, ready to engulf those around him in a wave of intensity.

What’s truly astonishing is how Kohli manages to elevate his game against Pakistan, despite facing them less frequently than many would prefer. His drive and commitment seem to reach another level whenever he confronts this rival. It’s a mystery how he does it time and time again, but one thing’s for sure: Kohli’s ability to rise to the occasion against Pakistan is a testament to his unparalleled skill and mental fortitude.

Kohli stands out as a prime example of maintaining emotional composure under pressure. He channels his emotions into positive and effective actions, refusing to let Pakistan’s presence affect his game. Despite enjoying cordial relationships with several players in the Babar Azam-led team, Kohli can still provoke, irritate, and unsettle his opponents.

What sets Kohli apart from his peers is his ability to keep his emotions in check, ensuring they don’t cloud his judgment. His confident demeanor, aggressive body language, and purposeful movements signify his mental strength and determination. Facing bowlers like Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, and Mohammad Amir requires Kohli to be fully focused from the first ball, a quality that comes naturally to someone deeply invested in delivering top-notch performances.

World Cup encounters between the two teams ignite even greater enthusiasm in the 35-year-old Kohli. In four 50-over matches, he has notched scores of 9, 107, 77, and 16. In T20 World Cups, his performances have been equally impressive, with scores of 78*, 36*, 55*, 57, and 82*. These stats reflect his exceptional T20 World Cup record, amassing 308 runs in five innings, only once being dismissed, which occurred during India’s sole loss to Pakistan in a white-ball World Cup match in Dubai in 2021.

Kohli’s unbeaten 82 at the MCG stands out as a stroke of genius, single-handedly guiding India to victory. His remarkable backfoot straight six off Rauf not only marked the highlight of the tournament in Australia but also emerged as a strong contender for the shot of the century award.

Pakistan has relentlessly pursued early dismissals of Kohli, believing it’s half the battle won. However, Kohli has consistently thwarted their efforts with his exceptional batting. In the upcoming match at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, Pakistan will view Kohli’s opening the batting against them for the first time as a potential advantage. They pin their hopes on the new ball and Afridi to do the job. Yet, deep down, they recognize that stopping Kohli will require something extraordinary or a stroke of luck, as most of the brilliance on the field has emanated from his formidable and punishing bat.