- Virat Kohli’s strong start in the 2023 World Cup with two half-centuries sets a positive tone for India’s campaign.
- Kohli’s historical success against Pakistan in ODIs contrasts with his underwhelming record in Indian conditions.
- The upcoming India-Pakistan clash promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with fans eager to witness Kohli’s performance on this grand stage.
Virat Kohli, the former captain of the Indian cricket team, has initiated his campaign in the World Cup 2023 with a pair of impressive half-centuries. These notable performances came against Australia and Afghanistan, illustrating his continued prowess in the game.
As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the high-voltage clash between India and arch-rivals Pakistan on October 14, 2023, Kohli’s form is an encouraging sign for the Indian team. His ability to perform consistently in pressure-cooker situations is a valuable asset.
In the match against Australia, Kohli’s innings of 85 not out showcased his class and resilience as he, alongside KL Rahul, resurrected India from a perilous 2-3 to successfully chase down a target of 200 runs. It was a masterclass in batting under pressure, a quality that has defined Kohli’s career.
When it comes to encounters with Pakistan in ODIs, Kohli boasts an impressive track record. In the 15 ODIs he has played against Pakistan, he has scored 662 runs at an average of 55.16, a testament to his batting prowess. Moreover, he has registered three centuries against Pakistan, further solidifying his status as one of the premier ODI batsmen in the world.
Although Virat Kohli’s recent form, highlighted by his World Cup 2023 performances, is a positive sign for India. However, his historical struggles against Pakistan in Indian conditions and at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad pose a significant challenge. The upcoming clash against Pakistan promises to be a thrilling spectacle, and fans worldwide will be eager to witness Kohli’s performance on this grand stage.
Additionally, Kohli’s record at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where the India-Pakistan clash will take place, is far from extraordinary. In seven ODIs at this venue, he has accumulated only 176 runs at an average of 25.14, with just one half-century to his name. His most recent outing at this venue in ODIs, against West Indies in 2022, saw him getting dismissed for a duck, courtesy of Alzarri Joseph.
However, a surprising statistic tarnishes Kohli’s otherwise remarkable record. His performances against Pakistan in home conditions, specifically in India, have been lackluster. In four ODIs played in India against Pakistan, Kohli has managed to accumulate a mere 22 runs, resulting in a disappointing batting average of 5.50. This underperformance at home, considering Kohli’s reputation, raises eyebrows.
Kohli’s struggles against Pakistan in India date back to 2011 when he managed just nine runs in the World Cup semi-final held in Mohali. The nightmare continued during the 2012/13 ODI series against Pakistan, where Kohli endured a difficult series, recording scores of 0(5), 6(9), and 7(17). To make matters worse, he was dismissed by the pace of Junaid Khan in all three of those matches.
Despite these underwhelming statistics, Kohli remains a pivotal figure in Indian cricket, and fans are hopeful that he can defy his historical struggles in the upcoming high-stakes encounter against Pakistan. The rivalry between the two nations is legendary, and this match marks the eighth time they will meet in an ODI World Cup, with India having emerged victorious in all previous encounters.
