Just few minutes to tick down and the king will walk into the field, in blues. Virat Kohli, popularly addressed as “King” will play his 100th T-20 match today! But what’s special in this? Specialty is, Kohli will be first Indian to play 100 International matches in all formats.
Henceforth, one can easily figure out, what this Sunday is waiting for! Asia Cup, 2022 has already started this Saturday. Afghanistan sealed a 8 wickets win against the Sri Lankans. But real picture is left to be done!
Asia Cup, this year will be played in the T-20 format. This is because of the upcoming T-20 World Cup at Australia- starting this October.
However, India will be facing their big arch rival Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium. This is that Stadium, where India could barely stand in front of the men in green. Henceforth suffered a 10 wickets defeat in the hands of Pakistan. Kohli himself got a half century, but gave his wicket to Shaheen Afridi.
This day, the men in blue will definitely try to overturn the previous result- may be as a nice gift in the memory of Kohli’s 100th T-20 matches.
Virat Kohli made his debut in International cricket back in 2008. The late 90’s generation kids grew up watching that boy making important contributions for his team. His “intension to win”, “aggression”, travelled long fourteen years to know the realization- 100 matches in all formats- done and dusted. If this is not a proof of “longevity”, the what is it!
The Virat Era
Virat Kohli moments are indeed special to fans. The years from 2014 to 2017- fans got used to see him taking off his helmet, showing his bat up acknowledging his century! It was a common scene that got faded with time. But who can ever deny the ups and downs in the King’s career too!
However, the journey from his first T-20 against Zimbabwe at 2010, to his 99th T-20I at hasn’t seen a single century! 94 not out has been his individual best in this format. But all the 3,308 runs he scored in this format, is worth remembering; is worth celebrating. Virat Kohli, who recently was bashed from different corners due to his “off-form” still holds an average of 50.12, at a strike rate of 137.66. He has 30 T-20I centuries to his name.
The run-machine Kohli still now is the second highest run getter for India in T-20I. Rohit Sharma is however the don here with 3487 runs. However, internationally, it Martin Guptil from New Zealand who tops the lost with 3497 runs. Thus, calculation says, Kohli is thr third highest in the world.
Enough of highlighting Kohli’s rough patch. Lets visit who Kohli has been throughout!
Virat Kohli has been the fourth-fastest batter to touch the 1,000 runs mark in T20I cricket. He achieved that in just 27 innings. He was also the second fastest to bag 2,000 runs (56 innings) and 2,500 runs (68 innings).
Virat has won 12 Player of the Match’ titles- which is the second highest right after Mohammad Nabi (13). Not only that, he got 7 Man of the tournament titles, says to be in the highest count in the world.
Virat Kohli: the man in T-20 WCs
Kohli has indeed been a prominent name in T-20 WCs. The run machine smashed 185 runs in 2012 T-20 WC, at an average of 46.25. Moreover, he had two 50, with 78* the highest. This got his name into the list of the top 10 scorers of that tournament.
Virat Kohli too ‘Man of the Tournament’ crown twice in 2014 and 2016 T20 World Cup history.
In the 2014 edition, he smashed 319 runs in just six games. His average was 106.33- four half-centuries, best score 77. However, Sri Lanka defeated India in final.
In 2016, Virat made 273 runs with 136.50 average. He smashed threr half-centuries in five matches. His best was 89 not out.
2016 was undoubtedly Virat Kohli’s year in T-20s. He scored a total of 641 runs from just 15 T-20s. His average was 106.43. He smashed seven half centuries, with 90* as his highest.
Skipper Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli’s record as a captain is impressive too. From 2017 to 2021, Kohli led his team in 50 T-20 matches. Among those, he sealed 30 wins, but lost 16 matches. Two matches were tied and two stood without results.
However, T20 World Cup 2021 was a disappointment as not only was team India knocked out in group stages, Kohli could score only 68 runs in three innings at an average of 34.00 and struck one half-century. His win percentage is 64.58. However, he couldn’t lift any ICC T-20 WC trophy.
That Rough Phase
Last time Virat Kohli scored an international ton was in 2018. Since then he features in at least 27 T-20Is. He however smashed 858 runs in this format. His average was 42.90 with his best score 94*. He has made eight fifties since then in this format.
If century defines “form”, then he has played 68 matches in all format after his last international hundred. He made 2,554 runs across all formats in 82 innings. His average was 34.05. He however has secured 24 fifties across all formats.
2022 however was really difficult year for Virat Kohli.
Virat played just four T20Is this year for India. He has scored just 81 runs with a much lower average of 20.25. However, his individual best score was 52 this year.
The 100th’s aim
This Sunday, India will look forward to win against their big arc rival Pakistan. May be, he will look for his much awaited 71sr International century. However, the country especially his die-hard fans will expect their king to come back- to roar! His fans will want him to do what he loves doing the most- make runs and contribute to India’s win.
Wishes for Kohli
The name Virat Kohli is enough to turn rivals into buddies. Wishes for his come back came from the Pakistan camp. However, his mates IPL mates friends have congratulated him for his 100th T-20 match. Dale Steyn, Faf du Plessies and AB de Villiers are in the list.
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