Only twice in his all 7 innings in this World Cup did Virat Kohli enter a two-digit score. However, when the stakes were at all-time high, the best player of this generation stood up and ministered India with what was a superb display of batsmanship. Had Kohli not come up with his 59-ball 76, things would’ve certainly been extremely bleak for India. Alongside Axar Patel, Kohli was critical for India handing a 177-run target for the Proteas in the Final.
Virat ‘the savior’ Kohli
It all started for the King by smashing lanky pacer Marco Jansen for three fours within the opening over. Jansen pitched up, Kohli thrived as he hit 3 drives to get his innings going. However, the pressure built on the great man when he lost both Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant within a span of three deliveries.
Kohli, who tried to play aggressively prior to the finals, knew that it was paramount for him to stay there. India desperately needed Kohli and the Delhi lad obliged. He stitched a match-changing partnership with Axar Patel. In his usual ‘Kohli’ way, he continued to pile runs slowly but steadily. Kohli ran hard and converted those ones into two. By the end of 10 overs, he was 36 off 29.
Kohli’s Calculative approach steered India
After Axar Patel hit first of his four six, India’s plan looked extremely clear. Have Kohli rotate strikes from one end and let others hit out of the park. And Kohli, in his usual way, rotated until the 19th over when he smashed Jansen for a four and a six. Kohli eyed a attacking end to the innings until he spooned one to Rabada at long-on. Regardless, Kohli proved to be a stick in India’s innings that found its way to a competitive 176-run total.
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