Even as Virat Kohli was excluded from the playing XI and given a rest from the match against Bangladesh on Friday, the 34-year-old showed unwavering dedication toward his and Team India’s cause and hit the nets on the evening of Friday while the India-Bangladesh match was still going on.
With a place in the Asia Cup 2023 final for Sunday against Sri Lanka sealed, India decided to rest five players, among which was also Virat Kohli.
However, Kohli can’t be kept away from action for too long. He first was seen carrying drinks initially, and then came on as a substitute fielder for Mohammed Shami who went to the dressing room to rest after his new-ball spell.
Once Bangladesh’s innings was completed, Virat Kohli quickly put on his pads, helmet, and thigh guard to practice in the nets along with Hardik Pandya and the sidearm throwdown specialists to prepare himself for Sunday’s important final.
Kohli might have been practicing to face Sri Lanka’s left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage, who had dismissed him in their previous meeting a few days ago. Also, the slingy-actioned Matheesha Pathirana has been in good form.
WATCH: Despite being rested from the Bangladesh match, Virat Kohli starts practicing for Asia Cup final
https://x.com/CricCrazyJohns/status/1702717098458493275?s=20
Meanwhile, Kohli received huge praise from former England captain and a respected commentator Nasser Hussain. Hussain hailed Kohli as the greatest batsman ever in the ODI history in run-chases.
On SKy Sports, Nasser Hussain said “Virat Kohli is the Greatest player ever in the run chase”.
Virat Kohli has scored 7384 runs in ODI run-chases; only Sachin Tendulkar has scored more runs – 8720 runs. However, Tendulkar’s runs came at an average of 42, while Kohli’s average of 64 in run-chases is miles ahead of Tendulkar’s. Kohli has notched up 26 ODI centuries in run-chases, which is the most in the world.
