Dubai 8th Sep : Very few would have believed that Virat Kohli would end his streak of century-making in international cricket in the course of a T20I match.However, on Thursday in an unplayed rubber against Afghanistan in Dubai the waiting of 1020 days came to an end with an incredible record-breaking 122 runs off just 61 ball in Asia Cup 2022.After he made his 71st century in international cricket and was at par with the former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, coming after an extended period of lean of more than three years and an absence from the game for about a month and a quarter, Kohli himself was surprised by his first T20I hundred that helped India to 212/2.
“Last two and an half years have taught me many things.I’ll turn 34 in one month.Therefore, those tense celebrations are now a memory of the past.Actually I was shocked.This was the last format I had in mind,” said Kohli after the Indian cricket match ended.
Kohli was eloquent in the way he dedicated his 71st world century to his wife, actress and actress Anushka Sharma for helping him get rid of mental clutter.”It was an amalgamation of many of things.The group has been very open and helpful.I’m aware that there was lots of things going on out there.”
“And I kissed my ring.I’m standing here because a person can put everything in the right perspective for me.That’s Anushka.This 100 is for her and our daughter Vamika as well.”
In his unbeaten 122 laced with 12 sixes and six fours, in what was a mix of classic and brutal cricket shots and an average strike-rate of 200, Kohli was at his classic best, using his feet to take boundaries off spinners and slamming pacers to have enjoyment.
“When there is someone sitting next to you and you are having conversations, you can put things in perspective, as Anushka has done.
the moment I returned, I was not in a state of panic.After six weeks, I felt refreshed.I realized how exhausted I was.It’s not a sport that is competitive but this break helped me to re-engage with the game,” concluded Kohli.
nr/inj
