Virat Kohli, the senior batsman, has played a pivotal role in India’s victories in both bilateral series and multi-nation tournaments. In the ongoing Asia Cup, however, the 34-year-old’s performance has been a mix. He has scored 129 runs in three innings, maintaining an average of 64.50 and a strike rate of 114.15. Kohli’s journey in Asia Cup 2023 got off to a disappointing start in the group match against arch-rivals Pakistan in Pallekele.
Left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi bowled him for just 4 runs. Kohli attempted to guide the ball down to third man but ended up dragging it onto his stumps. In the group stage, the match between India and Pakistan ended without a result. However, they faced each other once more in the Super 4 round at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
In this encounter, Kohli played a spectacular innings, scoring a century. He remained unbeaten with 122 runs off 94 balls, hitting nine fours and three sixes. Kohli also partnered in an unbroken 233-run partnership with KL Rahul (111*). Kohli fell to Dunith Wellalage, scoring just 3 runs against Sri Lanka. Subsequently, he was given a rest for the match against Bangladesh.
Virat Kohli’s performance in Asia Cup finals
Before the 2023 edition, Kohli had participated in two Asia Cup finals, those being in 2010 and 2016. In the 2010 Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka in Dambulla, India claimed a convincing 81-run victory. India batted first after winning the toss, and Kohli contributed 28 runs from 34 balls to a challenging total of 268/6.
He managed to hit four fours before getting caught behind off Lasith Malinga. Dinesh Karthik was the top scorer with 66 off 84 balls. In the bowling department, Ashish Nehra excelled with figures of 4/40, helping to dismiss Sri Lanka for 187 in 44.4 overs.
Kohli also featured in the 2016 Asia Cup final, where India secured an eight-wicket victory against Bangladesh in Mirpur. This edition was played in the T20 format, and India chose to field first after winning the toss. The bowlers performed well, limiting Bangladesh to a total of 120/5.
Kohli played a substantial role in the chase, finishing not out with 41 runs from 28 deliveries, which included five fours. Opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan received the Player of the Final award for his impressive 60 off 44 balls as India comfortably secured victory in just 13.5 overs.
Kohli didn’t participate in the 2018 Asia Cup, where India clinched the title with a thrilling three-wicket win over Bangladesh on the last ball in the final held in Dubai. He was rested during that tournament, and Rohit Sharma captained the Indian team to success.
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