'You think Virat's T20 WC knock vs Pakistan was his revival. But for me...': Misbah's upfront statement on Kohli
Misbah-ul-Haq had an honest remark on Virat Kohli as he talked about the India batter's incredible knock against Pakistan in the 2022 T20 World Cup.
Team India's star batter Virat Kohli had made an excellent return to form last year after an extended patch of low scores earlier in 2022. Kohli made a century in the Asia Cup game against Afghanistan that ended nearly a three-year wait for triple-figure mark in international cricket; the batter proceeded to produce one of the best T20I knocks in history during the T20 World Cup, then, as he scored an unbeaten 82 off 53 deliveries in the group game against Pakistan.
Many regard Kohli's innings against Pakistan as the greatest T20I knock of all time, and their claim has merit; India were reeling at 31/4 in the 160-run chase but Kohli held one end, and was the aggressor in a 113-run stand alongside Hardik Pandya (40). Kohli also hit Haris Rauf for two incredible sixes off successive deliveries when India needed 28 runs off 8 deliveries to win the match.
Many believe that Kohli's innings against Pakistan marked the revival of India batter in his career but former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq believes that Kohli regained his touch in the Asia Cup itself.
“Temperament and self-belief; when you have these things, you can produce an innings like that,” Misbah told SportsYaari when asked about Kohli's knock. “You think that was Virat's revival but I believe it began in the Asia Cup. He regained his touch in that tournament.”
“Self belief is very important. You needed around 40 runs in two overs against a top-class bowling attack on a tough wicket. Hardik (Pandya) is also a top-class player, but he lost his shape that day. He went hard but he couldn't middle the ball properly. If you have the right temperament and remain focussed, you can cash in on the opportunity. Kohli was in his zone, and the two sixes he hit against Haris (Rauf) changed the game,” Misbah further said.
