Aakash Chopra has labeled Virat Kohli as ‘the comeback king’ for his impressive resurgence in run-scoring, defying initial doubts. Kohli faced challenges early in his Test career against the West Indies in 2011 and struggled during his initial England tour in 2014.
Despite a period of run struggles during the COVID-19 era, Kohli reclaimed his form, returning to his peak performance ahead of the 2022 T20 World Cup.
In a YouTube video, Aakash Chopra highlighted Virat Kohli’s notable achievements, particularly in run chases, dynamic captaincy, and unwavering loyalty to the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Chopra commended the contemporary batting legend for his exceptional comeback ability, elaborating:
“Last but not the least, the comeback king. You go up but then fall. Everyone has to fall but the important thing is how many times someone can climb back again. He fell once in 2011-12 but then he stood up. After that, he reigned for eight to ten years. There wasn’t a blip at all.”
“That was one blip after which he probably decided – ‘Never again’. He played with the commitment continuously but then it came again during COVID, when he wasn’t scoring runs.”
“He hadn’t scored a century for a long time. He missed quite a few matches and many people had written him off,” the former India opener added.
Virat Kohli went without an international century in all formats for nearly three years following his 136-run innings in the pink-ball Test against Bangladesh at the Eden Gardens in November 2019. Throughout the years 2020 to 2022, his Test cricket average remained below 30.
“He is back again” – Aakash Chopra views on Virat Kohli’s place among the Fab 4
Aakash Chopra noted that Virat Kohli silenced cricket analysts, including himself, by re-establishing his position within the Fab Four, expressing:
“Yours truly also said that he is no longer part of the Fab 4. He is now, by the way. It was about the runs at that time, in that period of two years, but he is back again. Steve Smith has fallen away. Kane Williamson is also going 50-50 but this guy is still there. He was there then also and has returned now”
The former cricketer turned commentator mentioned that Virat Kohli’s achievement as the Player of the Tournament in the 2023 ODI World Cup was the perfect conclusion, stating:
“The way he has made a comeback has made the story even more beautiful. It seemed like things were done and dusted and you came and played a World Cup, and became the Player of the Tournament. You reinvented the wheel once again and reignited that passion.”
Chopra highlighted that comebacks are inherently challenging, asserting that Virat Kohli’s recent return has been truly exceptional.
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