Virat Kohli’s magnificent 122-run performance against Pakistan in the Asia Cup Super-Four match at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium on Monday garnered effusive praise from former India batsman Aakash Chopra.
In the first innings, it was the dynamic duo of Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma who set the stage brilliantly with an opening partnership of 121 runs. After their departure, it was the turn of Virat Kohli and KL Rahul to take the reins and propel India to a commanding total of 356 runs.
In the second innings, it was the turn of Kuldeep Yadav to shine as he led India’s bowling attack, snaring five wickets in his eight-over spell while conceding only 25 runs. His exceptional performance played a pivotal role in India’s resounding 228-run victory over their arch-rivals.
Aakash Chopra, speaking on his official YouTube channel, couldn’t help but sing Kohli’s praises, suggesting that the R. Premadasa Stadium feels like Kohli’s home ground due to his consistent century-scoring feats there.
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Chopra, also noted that Kohli’s familiarity with the R. Premadasa Stadium stems from his intimate knowledge of the ground, and he thrives on the vast outfield thanks to his unmatched fitness. Furthermore, Chopra commended Kohli’s approach during the match, highlighting his astute understanding of the nuances of 50-over cricket.
“I am going to talk about Virat Kohli’s No. 47 first. It seems like the Premadasa Stadium is his home ground. He scores a century every time. He might score another century today as well (against Sri Lanka). He understands the Premadasa pitch very well. Big grounds always suit him because he has what a lot of people don’t, and that’s his fitness. When he started, the way he was playing, he was going at almost a run-a-ball. He was playing slowly and cautiously, but no one understands ODI cricket’s DNA better than this player,” praised Aakash Chopra.
“When he wants to accelerate, he chooses his prey, which his time has come now. He first kills them with his running because he runs very well, taking doubles by utilizing the big ground. When he starts hitting, he chooses the gaps, when and where to hit. The straight six he hit off Naseem Shah’s bowling was an amazing shot. He was going steadily and then suddenly accelerated drastically,” explained Aakash Chopra.
Virat Kohli’s supreme century-scoring ability and his in-depth understanding of the game’s dynamics continue to make him one of the world’s premier cricketing talents, as demonstrated in his splendid performance at the R. Premadasa Stadium.