Star Indian batsman Virat Kohli marked his return to T20Is after 14 months, featuring in the second T20I against Afghanistan at Holkar Stadium, Indore, on Sunday, January 14. Kohli’s comeback was met with anticipation, and he stepped in early in the first over after captain Rohit Sharma’s consecutive duck. Displaying good form, the New Delhi-born cricketer played with intent but was dismissed for 29(16) in the sixth over.
India secured victory by six wickets, with stellar performances from Shivam Dube (63* off 32) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (68 off 34). Commentator Harsha Bhogle analyzed Kohli’s innings, acknowledging its significance in a T20 context. He emphasized that a quick cameo, like Kohli’s, is more valuable than a 50(40) in a chase exceeding 170 runs.
Bhogle took to social media to share his thoughts, stating, “Kohli’s innings of 29(16) will draw diverse comments because of his stature. From a T20 perspective, it was exactly the kind of innings a team wants. One of six batters scored more than a sixth of the runs at a SR > asking rate. But because he is a great player, we expect more and think it was underwhelming.”
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“A 29(16) from Jaiswal or Gill will be more acceptable though it should really be seen the same way. The 29(16) approach will produce, say a 60(33) a few times. It is admirable that at this stage of his career Kohli is actually challenging himself in the shortest form. 29(16) is a better innings than 50(40) in a 170+ run chase,” he continued.
Kohli’s innings of 29(16) will draw diverse comments because of his stature. From a T20 perspective, it was exactly the kind of innings a team wants. One of six batters scored more than a sixth of the runs at a SR > asking rate. But because he is a great player, we expect more…
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 15, 2024
However, Bhogle’s remarks sparked controversy, facing backlash from fans who criticized him for seemingly targeting Kohli. Notably, Kohli’s T20 approach has been a subject of scrutiny since the T20 World Cup 2022 semi-final against England, where he scored 50(40), contributing to India’s below-par total of 168/6.
Since then, Kohli has faced criticism, but his track record as the leading run-scorer in T20Is (4037 runs) and T20 World Cup (1141 runs) speaks volumes about his prowess.
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While some fans defended Kohli’s greatness in responses to Bhogle’s comments, the discussion around Kohli’s approach in T20Is continues. The Indian cricket maestro’s ability to deliver under pressure has been proven time and again, earning him accolades and cementing his status as a true cricketing legend.
When did Kohli scored 50(40) in a 170 run chase ? After making random excel sheets you started making random score cards too ? What about Rohit then
— ` (@musafir_tha_yr) January 15, 2024
Kohli can play every role in t20i cricket. He can open, he can anchor, he can finish. He can play with intent. Why not focus on others who are literally struggling to score even one run 😭
— Pari (@BluntIndianGal) January 15, 2024
We know you’re doing this for reach
— Gurmeet Singh (@VK18THEGOAT) January 15, 2024
Dogle can you please tell me when did kohli score 50(40) in a 170+ chase and India lost that match.
— 𝐊𝐨𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭!𝟎𝐧_👑🚩 (@bholination) January 15, 2024
Haven’t seen a more vicious person than Harsha Bhogle in my life!!
Do we remember Yuvraj Singh the T20I player for 14(19) in Final of T20I WC 2007? or for 11(21) in Final of 2014 T20I WC?!
Why Harsha Bhogle is creating a narrative that Virat always used to score 50(40)??
Virat… pic.twitter.com/QIs3as9a0m
— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) January 15, 2024
FYI Virat was 50 off 43 but finished with 82 off 53 in the 160 run chase and did a Diwali miracle.
Ffs you were there in the ground and doing commentary, match dekh rahe the ya kisi ke saath gulu gulu kar rahe the? pic.twitter.com/PfRhmKshUm
— Johns (@JohnyBravo183) January 15, 2024
So out of 108 inning you might have remembered only one inning..do you even remember Virat any of the greatest inning or you are watching this 50 of 40 every time..You might not be knowing but Virat has the best strike rate in death over
— Sujeet Suman (@sujeetsuman1991) January 15, 2024
Kohli has done it almost everytime. His SR is around 140. Many a times he tries to hold one end & accelerate at the last, to produce miraculous results like he did against Pak in WC.
Mindless hitting won’t win you matches against tough opponents & on good pitches unlike Roads…
— Sunderdeep – Volklub (@volklub) January 15, 2024
Do your home work properly, unreal stats+unreal hate
What a downfall from Voice of Cricket to Noise of Cricket
— Dheeraj Singh (@Dheerajsingh_) January 15, 2024
