There is hardly any player who enjoys rising up to crucial occasions like Virat Kohli. The modern-day master has developed into a batting icon and all eyes will once again be on him when he dons the Indian jersey to take on Pakistan at the T20 World Cup 2024. Kohli’s record against Pakistan, particularly in T20 Internationals, is a testament to his big-match temperament.
Virat ‘the Mr. Consistent’ Kohli vs PAK
Across a mere 10 T20I outings against Pakistan, Kohli has amassed a staggering 488 runs. The sheer dominance he exerts is reflected in his astronomical average and strike rate of 81.33 and 123.85, respectively. From his unbeaten 78 in the 2012 T20 World Cup held in Colombo to his unbeaten 55 in Kolkata during the 2016 edition, Kohli has delivered impactful performances that have cemented his place in T20 history. However, it’s his unbeaten 82* in Melbourne that arguably stands as the greatest T20I knock ever played.
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Kohli enjoys a supremacy over Pakistan: Misbah
This dominance over Pakistan isn’t lost on former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq. He acknowledged Kohli’s tendency to elevate his game on the biggest stages, especially against their fiercest rivals. In a press conference organized by Star Sports a few weeks ago, Misbah shed light on Kohli’s “mental supremacy” over Pakistan.
Misbah believed this psychological edge, coupled with Kohli’s inherent desire to outdo himself against Pakistan, makes him a genuine threat. He emphasized Kohli’s ability to thrive under pressure, stating, “I think Virat Kohli has that edge due to the fact that the way he has performed against Pakistan on crucial games and has damaged them. So mentally Kohli’s supremacy remains mentally on Pakistan. And secondly, even Kohli might think when he steps on the field that he would be even better charged up as compared to matches against other teams. He is that kind of a player to take motivation from pressure.“
Pakistan, however, is well aware of the threat Kohli poses. Misbah acknowledged the importance of dismissing Kohli early, referencing Pakistan’s success in doing so during the 2017 Champions Trophy. The message is clear: Pakistan needs an early breakthrough to contain the Indian batting maestro.
With Kohli boasting such a dominant historical record against Pakistan, the pressure will be on the Pakistani bowlers to dismiss him early. Will Kohli continue his reign of terror against his arch-rivals, or will the Pakistani bowling attack rise to the challenge? The upcoming T20 World Cup clash in New York will provide the answer.
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