Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin recounted a memorable exchange he had with Virat Kohli following the latter’s iconic innings against Australia in the 2016 T20 World Cup in Mohali. In what was virtually a knockout game, Kohli produced a sensational unbeaten 82 off 51 deliveries to take India to the semi-finals from a position where victory looked unlikely.
With wickets falling around him, Kohli stood firm at one end, keeping India alive despite a rapidly increasing required run rate. He shifted gears in the final overs, attacking bowlers like Glenn Maxwell, James Faulkner, and Nathan Coulter-Nile to craft one of the finest innings of his career.
Ashwin shared that after returning to the dressing room, he expressed his admiration for Kohli’s match-winning effort.
“I remember when he played that Mohali innings against Australia in the T20 World Cup, I went and praised him a lot. I told him what an innings it was, and he just replied, “Kaisa Laga?” I don’t like it when he gets into his shell and does not talk. When he does not talk or express, that’s when I actually don’t enjoy,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
“Kohli’s Consecutive Centuries Silence Critics”- Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin observed the same fierce determination in Kohli recently, saying his celebration after scoring back-to-back centuries against South Africa reflected a clear desire to silence his doubters.
“Why is Virat celebrating like that? What is he thinking, what has he gone through? Let’s not forget that Virat left Test cricket. He loved Test cricket, and wanted to play always, but he left because it was not only about his requirements. Whatever chatter was going on, and his lack of runs in Tests, we don’t know what he wanted to do,” Ashwin added.
Virat Kohli notched his 53rd ODI century in the second match against South Africa. Earlier, he had played a brilliant 135 off 120 balls in Ranchi, helping India secure a 1-0 lead in the three-game series.
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