Brief Summary
This video recounts India's emotional rollercoaster in T20 World Cup matches against Pakistan, highlighting the contrast between their crushing defeat in 2021 and their thrilling victory in 2022. It focuses on Virat Kohli's journey through loss of captaincy, struggles with form, and his eventual resurgence as the "King" with a match-winning innings.
- India faced a humiliating defeat against Pakistan in the 2021 T20 World Cup.
- Virat Kohli stepped down from captaincy in various formats and struggled with his form.
- India avenged their loss in a nail-biting match against Pakistan in the 2022 T20 World Cup, with Virat Kohli playing a pivotal role.
2021 T20 World Cup: India's Crushing Defeat
In the 2021 ICC World Cup, Pakistan secured their first-ever victory against India in a World Cup match, winning decisively. Every strategy employed by the Indian team failed, and the team was unable to apply any pressure on Pakistan. This defeat triggered widespread criticism across news media and social platforms. Critics targeted key players like Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Suryakumar Yadav, and questioned Virat Kohli's captaincy, Hardik Pandya's fitness, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar's inclusion in the team.
Virat Kohli's Transition and Loss of Captaincy
Following the 2021 World Cup loss, Indian cricket underwent significant changes, with Virat Kohli stepping down from or being removed from captaincy in different formats. Kohli communicated his decision to leave the T20 captaincy to the BCCI, citing his point of view and reasons for doing so, which was well-received. Subsequently, he also relinquished his Test cricket captaincy. Kohli's form declined, and he struggled to score runs, leading to increased scrutiny and trolling.
2022 T20 World Cup: The Stage for Redemption
In 2022, Pakistan aimed to replicate their previous victory against India in the T20 World Cup. Virat Kohli faced questions about his place in the team. Exactly 364 days after the defeat, India faced Pakistan again in Melbourne, presenting an opportunity for revenge. Rohit Sharma won the toss and chose to bowl first.
Pakistan's Innings: Building a Competitive Total
Bhuvneshwar Kumar's opening over posed challenges for Pakistan's batsmen, and Arshdeep Singh dismissed Pakistan's captain Babar Azam. Arshdeep also took the wicket of Mohammad Rizwan. Iftikhar Ahmed and Shan Masood stabilized Pakistan's innings, with Ahmed hitting three consecutive sixes. Ahmed completed his half-century but was dismissed by Mohammad Shami. Hardik Pandya then took two quick wickets, putting Pakistan on the back foot. Shan Masood's innings helped Pakistan reach a total of 159 runs.
India's Chase: Kohli's Heroic Innings
India's chase started poorly, losing early wickets, including both openers and captain Rohit Sharma. At 17 for 2, the situation mirrored the previous defeat. India lost three top batsmen in the powerplay, making the required 160 runs seem like 200. Hardik Pandya and Virat Kohli attempted to rebuild the innings, but the required run rate kept increasing. Kohli and Pandya scored 20 runs in the 12th over against Mohammad Nawaz.
The Climax: Kohli's Masterclass and India's Victory
With 48 runs needed off the last 18 balls, the match hung in the balance. Virat Kohli then unleashed a series of brilliant shots, scoring 17 runs off Shaheen Afridi's over. The equation came down to 16 runs off the final six balls, with Mohammad Nawaz bowling the last over. Despite Hardik Pandya's dismissal, Dinesh Karthik kept India's hopes alive. A no-ball and a subsequent free hit, where Kohli was bowled but three runs were taken, shifted the momentum. With two runs needed off the last ball, Ravichandran Ashwin secured the victory for India.
Celebration and Redemption
Virat Kohli's performance led India to a memorable victory against Pakistan in Melbourne. The same people who had criticized him months earlier now praised him. Kohli's innings of 82 runs off 53 balls was a testament to his skill and determination. The win marked a significant moment in Kohli's career, reaffirming his status as the "King" of cricket.
