India is gearing up for a highly-anticipated showdown against Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 final, set to kick off on June 7 at The Oval in London. Led by Rohit Sharma, the Indian team is determined to clinch their first-ever WTC title after falling short in the final of the inaugural edition in 2019-21, under the captaincy of Virat Kohli. Despite missing players like Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant, one positive aspect for India is the scintillating form of their batting maestro, Virat Kohli.
Virat Kohli’s recent exploits mark a resurgence after a lean patch in 2021 and the first half of 2022. His return to form was evident in the 2022 Asia Cup, where he blasted his 71st century, ending a drought of more than three years.
The 2022 T20 World Cup further showcased his brilliance as he finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer, despite India’s semi-final exit at the hands of eventual champions, England. Kohli amassed 296 runs in six matches, averaging an impressive 98.67, with a strike rate of 136.41, which included four half-centuries.
ALSO READ: Sachin Tendulkar Applauds Shubman Gill’s Heroics as GT Storm into IPL 2023 Final
Former India chief selector, MSK Prasad, expressed confidence in Kohli’s abilities ahead of the WTC final. He acknowledged the high expectations placed upon Kohli and how he coped with the pressure, stating, “He has set a very high standard for himself. He has to score hundreds in every match; otherwise, it is a failure. But he is a human after all.”
MSK Prasad attributed Kohli’s initial struggles to the burden of captaincy but emphasized his subsequent resurgence, saying, “Once he regained his rhythm and clarity, he did not look back.”
Highlighting Kohli’s exceptional form over the past year, Prasad praised his consistency across all formats and affirmed his belief that Kohli would deliver in the crucial WTC final, adding, “With his form, state of mind in a good place, and his seniority being above 100 Tests, I am sure he will deliver.”
ALSO READ: Michael Vaughan Does A Hilarious Makeover Ahead Of IPL 2023 Final
Kohli’s recent performances have been a testament to his renewed focus and determination. Starting 2023 with an ODI century against Sri Lanka, he carried his form forward, emerging as the second-highest run-scorer in the fiercely contested Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, while also being the leading run-getter for India. As the Indian team gears up for the WTC final, all eyes will be on Kohli, as he shoulders the responsibility of guiding his side to victory and etching his name in cricketing history.
