VIDEO: Virat Kohli’s 81 changed course of India vs Pakistan Champions Trophy tie

Virat Kohli showed early form as defending ICC Champions Trophy champions India made a rousing start vs Pakistan in Birmingham on Sunday. Kohli’s unbeaten 81 galvanised India at Edgbaston

Virat Kohli has been at the centre of a lot of criticism lately because of his lack of form in this year’s Indian Premier League. However, it was business as usual for the Indian cricket team skipper on Sunday as he slammed an unbeaten 81 to guide India to an impressive 124-run victory over Pakistan in their ICC Champions Trophy clash in Birmingham. (FULL VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS)

Virat Kohli at the end of his innings at Edgbaston, Birmingham on Sunday. India thrashed Pakistan by 124 runs in their ICC Champions Trophy Group B opener. (REUTERS)

Virat Kohli initially looked a little iffy against the Pakistan bowlers but found his touch during his blistering innings off just 68 balls. His 81 included six fours and three sixes.

Virat Kohli’s innings in Birmingham on Sunday (Perform)

This was the 40th half century for Virat Kohli and his third in ICC Champions Trophy encounters. This was also the first occasion when he could not convert his fifty into a hundred while facing Pakistan in ODI encounters. Virat Kohli was instrumental in taking India to an imposing 319 as he stitched valuable partnerships with Rohit Sharma and Yuvraj Singh. (SCORECARD) (HIGHLIGHTS OF INDIA VS PAKISTAN).

First, he combined with Sharma (91) to add stability to the innings after losing opener Shikhar Dhawan and then added 93 for the third wicket in just 59 balls with Yuvraj.