Since December, Virat Kohli has scored six centuries in international matches until now. Three in ODIs, two in Tests, and one in T20Is. When it comes to chasing runs in ODIs, his average goes up to 66 runs per innings. These statistics are enough to intimidate the Pakistan team. No one can forget his innings in the last T20 World Cup in Melbourne, when he turned the game around single solely.
Back then, he proved to be a big game-changer for Indian side. India needed 28 runs off 8 balls, and Virat, in the last two balls of the 19th over bowled by Harris Rauf, hit two sixes, making the task easier for his team. Then, with a six against Mohammad Nawaz, he clinched the victory. In that innings, Virat Kohli another hidden side within him was revealed. He was previously considered a batsman who could anchor the innings and rotate the strike, and who occasionally plays big shots. But after this match, he worked to change everyone’s perception about him.
In 2011 World cup, Virat catches the last wicket of Misbah’s in semi-final, delivering the fruits of Sachin’s hard work, and In 2015 World cup he smashes a splendid century against Pakistan. In a similar fashion, his innings of 77 runs in the 2019 World Cup plays a crucial role in winning the match. Who can forget his innings of 183 runs against Pakistan in Mirpur in 2012. He made full use of his partnership with Sachin and Rohit, pushing Pakistan to the brink.”
Against Pakistan, Virat has scored 536 runs in 13 matches at an average of 48.73, including two centuries and two half-centuries. His consistent performances against Pakistan is the reason that Pakistani players have a high regard for Virat. While the Pakistani pacer Shoaib Akhtar considers him the best cricketer of the past decade, as well as Saqlain Mushtaq says that Virat is like a moon, which had an eclipse for a while but is now shining brightly again. Mohammad Amir, who dismissed him in the 2017 Champions Trophy, does not want to compare Virat to anyone. “He says that comparing Virat to any batsman in the world, including Babar, wouldn’t be right because Virat is ahead of everyone.” As an overall cricketer, he rates Virat Kohli higher than Babar Azam. Babar Azam has said that Virat’s advice has been very helpful to him. He told him to think as if he is playing in a match while practicing in the nets. Babar implemented this advice and it benefited him greatly. Shahin Afridi says that when he bowls to Babar in the nets, he imagines himself bowling to Virat Kohli, which helps him perform better against any batter in the world. It’s evident that Virat instills a tremendous sense of fear among Pakistani players. The way he embraced Rizwan and Babar after losing in the 2021 T20 World Cup, he had already won the hearts of the entire Pakistani public and cricketing fans.
