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Indian superstar Virat Kohli, one of cricket’s most prolific batters, has consistently delivered exceptional performances against Pakistan, particularly in high-stakes matches such as those in the T20 World Cup. His ability to thrive under pressure and steer his team to victory has made him a formidable opponent for Pakistan.
Now, in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup 2024, former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has shed light on the factors contributing to Kohli’s remarkable success against their arch-rivals, offering insights into the mindset and techniques that set him apart on the field.
Misbah-ul-Haq decodes Virat Kohli’s success factors against Pakistan
Misbah reckoned that Kohli holds a significant psychological advantage over Pakistani players. He commended Kohli’s consistent dominance against the Men in Green and emphasized the need for Babar Azam‘s team to be vigilant of his capabilities. Notably, India and Pakistan will lock horns in a high-voltage clash on June 9 in the T20 World Cup in New York.
Misbah also noted the impact of past performances on a player’s mindset, pointing out that India has triumphed in 6 out of 7 T20 World Cup encounters against Pakistan, which could influence the upcoming match.
“Players have a muscle memory, and it is in their minds when they take on an opposition against whom they perform well. Your impact always stays strong in those matches and it affects the opposition as well. Virat Kohli has that edge, the way in initial matches he performed against other teams and Pakistan he damaged the team by playing crucial innings,” Misbah said as quoted by India Today.
In their last encounter at T20 World Cup 2022, Kohli delivered one of his best performances after scoring an unbeaten 82 off 53 balls and leading India to a dramatic victory at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
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Misbah reflects on Pakistan’s chances of overcoming India
Misbah also emphasized that Pakistan’s chances of success in New York hinge on dismissing Kohli early in the match. He recalled the 2017 Champions Trophy final, where Mohammad Amir managed to dismiss Kohli for just 5 runs and later Pakistan won the game.
“He is that kind of player, the bigger the opportunity, rather than taking pressure, he takes motivation from that. He is a top-class cricketer and he has the capability to perform against any opposition. There is only one way, the way he was dismissed initially in the Champions Trophy, Pakistan or any other team has to get him out,” Misbah said.
