Image Source: X
[Saba Sports News] Virat Kohli retired from T20Is after leading India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup in June.
Despite facing criticism for a low strike rate towards the end of his T20I career, Kohli’s legacy in the format is cemented by his iconic innings against Pakistan at the MCG during the 2022 T20 World Cup.
With India struggling at 31/4 after the powerplay, Kohli’s unbeaten 82 off 53 balls, including a memorable down-the-ground six off Haris Rauf, is still celebrated. Shaheen Afridi, who played for Pakistan in that match, called it the best innings he has ever seen.
“Virat Kohli is a Great player. And Great player like Kohli could play such innings. That ball was Haris Rauf’s best ball and he hit Six on straight down the ground was unbelievable. Virat Kohli’s 82* runs innings, I have never seen a better innings than that Kohli’s innings in my career,” Afridi shared.
Kohli, aged 35, capped his T20I career with a match-winning 76 off 59 balls in the final against South Africa in Barbados, guiding India to the championship despite a top-order collapse.
Reflecting on the victory, Kohli said, ” “This was my last t20 World Cup, and this is what we wanted to achieve. One day you feel you can’t get a run, then things happen. God is great, and I got the job done for the team on the day it mattered.”