Virat Kohli played a match-winning masterclass against Pakistan at the MCG in the 2022 T20 World Cup.
Virat Kohli’s Absence Looms Large Ahead of India-Pakistan Clash
Virat Kohli’s absence will be deeply felt when India face Pakistan in their Asia Cup fixture on Sunday in Dubai. The batting maestro retired from T20Is after guiding India to the 2024 T20 World Cup triumph, a decision mirrored by Rohit Sharma, paving the way for Suryakumar Yadav to take over as captain.
Virat Kohli’s record against Pakistan, especially in ICC tournaments, remains etched in memory. His iconic knock at the 2022 T20 World Cup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground is still hailed as one of the greatest T20 innings. With India reeling at 31/4 while chasing 160, Kohli orchestrated a remarkable comeback alongside Hardik Pandya, stabilizing the innings in a crucial fifth-wicket stand.
The defining moment came in the final overs, where Kohli’s composure and brilliance stunned Pakistan. He smashed Haris Rauf for two unforgettable sixes in the 19th over before R. Ashwin sealed the chase in dramatic fashion. Kohli finished unbeaten on 82 off 53 balls, cementing his reputation as Pakistan’s nemesis in high-pressure games.
As India step onto the field this time without their talisman, fans will undoubtedly miss Kohli’s aura and clutch brilliance. The spotlight now falls on Suryakumar Yadav and the new-look batting order to shoulder the responsibility in this high-octane contest.
Sunil Gavaskar serves brutal reminder
Speaking to India Today, batting legend Sunil Gavaskar admitted that Pakistan would be more than relieved not to face Virat Kohli in Sunday’s Asia Cup clash. Recalling Kohli’s heroics at the MCG in 2022, where he stunned Haris Rauf with two unforgettable sixes, Gavaskar highlighted how the star batter single-handedly shifted the momentum in India’s favor during what looked like a lost chase.
“I’m sure they will be pretty happy not to have to bowl to him. We have seen some fabulous innings from him. What about that Melbourne innings, when the match looked lost as far as India was concerned? Then he hit those unbelievable two sixes off Haris Rauf to take India close to a win, and then Ashwin finished it towards the end,” Gavaskar said.
The former India skipper stressed that Kohli’s absence is not just the loss of a batter but of a complete cricketer who thrives in pressure situations. “So yes, if I were a Pakistani, I would certainly be breathing a lot easier. That they are not playing against Kohli. Kohli, the cricketer, not just the batter,” he added.
Kohli has dominated Pakistan in T20Is, scoring 492 runs in 11 innings, including his iconic unbeaten 82 at the 2022 T20 World Cup. Having retired from T20Is and Tests, Kohli now only represents India in ODIs, making this Asia Cup his first absence in years from the storied rivalry.
