Soumayashree Mishra 
There’s an old adage that goes something like this: life is a game, so play it well. After witnessing India’s nail-biting victory over Pakistan in the T20 World Cup match, cricket fans may consider adding a few more words to the popular adage—life is a game, and you should play it like Virat Kohli.
There are several takeaways from that magnificent match-winning innings against King Kohli.
Virat Kohli has made headlines for his brilliant unbeaten 82-ball 53 against archrival Pakistan. He has a strong record against the Men in Green. Kohli has amassed 1024 runs in 23 innings at an average of 60.23 in all ODIs and T20s against Pakistan. He has scored these runs at a strike rate of 107.67 in both formats.
These 23 innings have included some of his best innings of his career, including his masterclass at the MCG on Sunday.
Hardik Pandya was completely trusted by Virat Kohli. He believed in Pandya’s abilities and encouraged him to take risks. He was relying on his ability to penetrate the field and score twos and threes. When he was completely settled, he played his shots during the crucial final period. He even implemented advice from his junior, Hardik Pandya, into his batting. He had faith in both Dinesh Karthik and Ravichandran Ashwin. As a result, Ashwin’s well-timed left-handed wide delivery down the leg in the penultimate ball, amid roars from nearly a lakh spectators, proved crucial. Kohli worked well with others.
From 31 for 4 in a 160-run chase, Kohli led a spirited comeback with Hardik Pandya, putting on 113 runs for the fifth wicket. Right up until the dramatic last over, which featured two wickets, a no-ball for height, a wide, a six – from Kohli, who else! – and arguments between the Pakistan players and the umpires, before R Ashwin hit the winning run off the last ball.
“It’s a surreal atmosphere,” Kohli said after the game to his former India coach Ravi Shastri on Star Sports. “I’m at a loss for words. I’m not sure how that happened.”
Kohli earned the nickname “King Kohli” for his ability to pace the chase perfectly in one-day internationals. Kohli praised the crowd of more than 90,000 people for their “phenomenal” contribution to the occasion. “You guys have always been there for me, showing me so much love and support during the months when I was struggling. And I am extremely grateful for your assistance. Thank you very much.”
