Former Indian captain Virat Kohli emphasized the importance of staying focused when facing Pakistan’s formidable bowling attack, praising the array of bowlers led by Babar Azam ahead of their Asia Cup 2023 encounter. India is gearing up to take on Pakistan in a highly anticipated Group A match scheduled for Saturday, September 2, in Pallekele.
This match marks Virat Kohli’s first meeting with Pakistan since his remarkable innings in Melbourne during the T20 World Cup last year. Kohli’s outstanding 82 runs off 53 balls played a pivotal role in India’s improbable victory, earning widespread acclaim as one of his finest innings, even earning praise from India’s captain Rohit Sharma and former Pakistani cricketers. Kohli is entering this clash with a significant boost in confidence.
Pakistan enters the tournament with a formidable pace attack, featuring the talents of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah. Additionally, leg-spinner Shadab Khan poses a significant threat to opposing batsmen, especially considering the spin-friendly conditions witnessed in the venue’s earlier Asia Cup 2023 match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
Kohli expressed his view, stating, “I believe their bowling is their greatest asset. They have a group of highly impactful bowlers capable of changing the game’s course with their exceptional skills. Therefore, one must be in top form to face them,” as he shared with Star Sports.
While Kohli may not have had the opportunity to bat during the ODI series in West Indies in July, he has maintained good form in the 50-over format. In his last 13 matches since the Bangladesh tour last year, he has amassed 554 runs, including three centuries.
The star batsman dedicated significant time to rigorous training during the six-day camp held by Team India before departing for the Asia Cup in Pallekele. Speaking about his unwavering commitment to improvement, Kohli emphasized the importance of avoiding complacency and constantly seeking ways to elevate his performance for the team.
“I consistently strive to understand how I can enhance my game. This approach has enabled me to perform at a high level for an extended period, benefiting my team,” Kohli remarked. He further added, “I believe you cannot achieve consistent performance without this mindset. If your sole goal is performance, you might become content and cease to work hard. There are no limitations to improvement.”
Virat Kohli has an impressive record against Pakistan in Asia Cup tournaments, boasting an average of over 50 and accumulating 350 runs, including his highest score of 183.