A month ago, Kohli was in the dumps, mentally, game-wise, and, by his own words, “faking intensity”; the game had become a chore. But it all changed in World T20 opening game against Pak.
Virat was on Rohit shoulders being cradled and swung in celebration, respect, and admiration, with close to 100,000 ecstatic fans screaming their heads off. A moment ago, Kohli was almost in tears, first punching the ground, then taking his helmet off, and raising his index finger to the skies. A release of pent-up emotions after the greatest innings of his career.
It was some sight. Kohli un-bottling, Sharma serenading — two men who aren’t really close friends but have, over the years, acknowledged each other’s greatness.
In the tournament’s most-watched game, chasing a tricky Pakistan total of 160, Kohli’s 53 ball 82 took India home. The win in this high pressure opening game was a perfect lift-off for India in the World T20 in Australia. Kohli’s knock that will be talked about for years had a couple of sixes — against pacer Haris Rauf in the 19th over — that have already gained iconic status.
