Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer has launched a warning to all of the cricketing members as Virat Kohli has returned to his absolute best. Kohli kicked off the year on a high, scoring his 45th ODI hundred against Sri Lanka at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati on Tuesday.
Jaffer reckons Kohli’s form lasts not just for a few innings or series but it continues for several years. Kohli was struggling with his form in the last few years but he got back his Midas touch in the Asia Cup and then carried the good show in the T20 World Cup.
The talisman broke his century drought against Afghanistan in the T20I format and then scored another fine knock against Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, Kohli looked at his previous best against Sri Lanka as he scored a fine knock of 113 runs off just 87 balls. The former skipper lived a charmed life as he was given two chances by the opposition and he was able to make the most of them.
Kohli looks in a good mental space and he is back at his best, which are ominous sign for all the cricketing nations.
Speaking on ESPNCricinfo, Wasim Jaffer said, “He finished 2022 with a hundred and has started 2023 with a century. We have always noted that Virat Kohli’s form is not just for a few innings or series but for several years. India will hope for Kohli to keep this form going, given it’s a World Cup year and it’s a critical tournament for India. Kohli’s form is an excellent sign that way.”
Kohli was dropped on 52 and 81 by Kusal Mendis and Dasun Shanaka respectively.
“You also create your own luck. During his rough patch, we saw some magnificent catches were being taken and some touch-and-go decisions went against him. We all know how much Kohli works on his fitness and gameplay. So, all these things matter and it repays. It looks like all those efforts are now repaying well for Kohli.”
Meanwhile, India adopted an aggressive approach as they posted a gargantuan score of 373 runs and Jaffer was happy with the team’s aggressive batting.
“That approach was good to see as all the batters batted aggressively and maintained excellent strike rates, especially Rohit Sharma, who often takes some time to get going. Even in T20s, he has started taking some risks early on, but prefers taking his time in 50-overs cricket. But he has played proactively in this innings and it’s a good thing. If we see England’s current side and compete with them or the way Australia plays, these are great indications that all batters want to make runs quickly.”
“Previously, India often used to make only 300-310, but now I think Indian team plays, keeping in mind a higher target and are playing that way. Virat Kohli also scored his hundred off 80 balls. It shows the level of batting has gone up a notch and has to. As I said, it’s a World Cup year, India will play at home, wickets will be good for batting. If this is the approach, it will be great.”
The second ODI will be played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Thursday.
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