Virat Kohli's name may still be at the top of the batting statistics when the final between England and Pakistan is completed, but the silverware remains missing from his portfolio, which includes a 50-over World Cup, and a Champions Trophy.
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Virat Kohli, the best player for the Men in Blue in the history of this game and the T20 WC, is still waiting for the ultimate reward in the shortest format after India’s crushing loss to England by ten wickets in the second semifinal of the present ICC T20 World Cup. The scenario appeared set for Kohli’s redemption after his spectacular return to the sport following issues with inconsistent form and his well-documented mental struggles. Virat’s next goal was to win the T20 World Cup trophy after finishing Asia Cup 2022 as the second-highest run-scorer and hitting his much-awaited 71st international century after a gap of more than 1,000 days. But things were not meant to be.
Virat began the competition on a high note, striking an unforgettable 82* against Pakistan in Melbourne, helping Team India reach the 160-run mark despite being four down for 31 in approximately six overs.
This knock set the tone for the rest of the tournament for this great batter, who continued his fine form in the group stage with half-centuries against the Netherlands and Bangladesh Then came the semi-final against England at Adelaide Oval, which has historically been Virat’s hunting ground. Virat has 957 runs in 11 matches and 15 innings, with an average of 73.61. But even his 50 off 40 balls was not enough on the day.
Virat hit 77 off 58 balls in the final of the 2014 T20 World Cup against Sri Lanka. However, he did not receive any help from the other batters. Yuvraj Singh, one of India’s most successful all-rounders, had a poor 11-ball knock, leaving India with only 130/4 on the board, which the Lankan Lions comfortably chased down. Similarly, in the 2016 T20 World Cup semi-finals against the Windies, Virat Kohli’s 89* off 47 balls propelled India to 192/2 in 20 overs. Despite the fact that the mark seemed intimidating and the Windies were down 3/116 after 13.1 overs, Indian bowlers failed to protect the total.
Kohli was named ‘Man of the Tournament in both tournaments after scoring 319 and 295 runs, respectively, but he was unable to lift the silverware that he and his squad desired. This time, the plot is the same. Virat Kohli’s name may still be at the top of the batting statistics when the final between England and Pakistan is completed, but the silverware remains missing from his portfolio, which includes a 50-over World Cup, and a Champions Trophy.
