Former India cricketer Suresh Raina recently shared insights into Virat Kohli's remarkable ability to thrive on the big stage, particularly when facing archrival Pakistan. Raina praised Kohli as a cricketer who thrives under the pressure of such high-profile contests in an exclusive editorial for the ICC.
Raina remarked that Kohli's desire to be the hero in India-Pakistan matches makes him a genuinely unique player. He added that, while Kohli may dismiss these matchups as "just another game," he prepares differently and thrives under the great strain of these contests.
Kohli's exploits in recent India-Pakistan matches have cemented his place in cricketing history. Notably, he had a brilliant effort in Melbourne during the T20 World Cup 2022, helping India to a tough 160-run chase with an undefeated 82 off only 53 balls. India won the match in a stunning final-ball triumph.
Another memorable innings came in the Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 stage, when Kohli combined with KL Rahul to drive India to a record-breaking total of 356 runs against Pakistan. His amazing 122-ball knock earned him the talent of the Match title, cementing his standing as a big-game talent.
Suresh Raina spoke more about Kohli's preparation and mindset, adding that in the lead-up to such high-stakes matches, he immerses himself in Punjabi music and enjoys spending time with his teammates. When the game starts. Kohli transforms into a true pro, demonstrating the poise and drive of an experienced fighter.
Kohli has already made an indelible imprint on the ODI World Cup 2023. In India's first encounter against Australia, Kohli stepped up when Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood reduced them to 2/3 in the first two overs in a difficult 200-run chase. Kohli was instrumental in a match-winning combination with KL Rahul, scoring 165 runs to secure two key points in the group stage. Kohli demonstrated his brilliance in the following encounter at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Ahmedabad, notching a rapid half-century, further solidifying his reputation as a chasemaster on cricket's grandest stages.
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