India kicked off their T20 World Cup 2022 campaign in some style by defeating arch-rivals Pakistan in what was one of the most thrilling T20 World Cup encounters ever.
The game comprised a number of ebbs and flows with the Men In Blue just keeping their calm, and the Men In Green panicking towards the end, as India completed the chase of 160 runs on the last ball of the match.
Virat Kohli stepped up on the big occasion to deliver a knock for the ages, scoring 82 unbeaten runs off 53 balls with the help of 6 fours, 4 sixes and plenty of hard and quick running between the wickets. Kohli shared a mammoth partnership of 113 runs in 78 balls with Hardik Pandya, who scored 40 off 37 balls after India had been left reeling at 31/4.
Watch: Sunil Gavaskar jumps like a cute child while celebrating India’s victory
Legendary Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar was present at the boundary side during the closing moments of the game as he will have to be ready for broadcasting the game on Star Sports after the match. Along with Gavaskar stood a few other commentators, Irfan Pathan, and Kris Srikkanth.
As soon as Ashwin lofted Nawaz over mid-off to seal the victory, with 1 run required off the last ball, the MCG broke into a deafening noise. A thrilled and extremely elated Gavaskar, donning a red cap, started jumping like a little child, his happiness at India’s victory conspicuous. Gavaskar then shook hands with Pathan and Srikkanth and kept on a beaming smile on his face.
The video of Sunil Gavaskar’s cute celebration – which, in essence, encapsulated every Indian team fan – has gone viral.
You can watch the video here:
The celebration by Sunil Gavaskar is gold. pic.twitter.com/5RkFtEJ1nx
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 23, 2022
India skipper Rohit Sharma lauded Kohli and Pandya and hailed this as Kohli’s best knock for India.
“Those two guys (Kohli and Pandya) are experienced. Staying calm and taking the game deep was very critical. Good for our confidence. Always crucial to get off the mark like this. We were in no position to win this. The way we won that’s more pleasing for us,” Rohit Sharma said at the post-match presentation.
“Hats off to Virat for the way he batted, has to be the best innings he has played for India. I would like to thank everyone, it’s wonderful to see. Their support for us is very, very crucial wherever we go,” the Indian skipper added.
