Virat Kohli took the cricketing fraternity by storm after he brought up his 71st international hundred against Afghanistan on Thursday. Kohli was once again seen at his vintage best as he ripped apart the Afghanistan bowling attack. He scored a brilliant 122 off 61 balls, ending his 1020-day-long century drought in international cricket.
Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri showered praise on Kohli for returning back to form. Shastri also suggested that Kohli can bat as the opener in the upcoming 20-20 world cup if the need arises. He further said that his promotion to the opener’s slot can work wonders for the team’s balance.
“I think what today’s innings of Virat Kohli has done, is that it has thrown the spanner in the works. It is allowed now for the selectors to think, ‘do we need a third opener?’” Shastri said during his commentary stint on Star Sports.
“When Virat Kohli is there, you got KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma, and Virat could well be the third opener in case there’s an injury. It allows you to have an extra fast bowler, as well as an extra batsman in the middle order. So, it does open some opportunity,” he further added.
Kohli made an emphatic comeback to form in the ongoing Asia Cup after he was rested for the recent West Indies and Zimbabwe tour. Taking some time away from the game has helped the star batter to find his mojo back. After looking rusty in the opening game of the Asia Cup against Pakistan, Kohli drastically improved in every match and finally notched up his much-awaited hundred.
After his stupendous innings, Kohli now sits on top of the list of the highest run scorers in the Asia Cup. The star batter has 276 runs to his name in five innings at a stunning average of 92 and a brilliant strike rate of 147. He also broke the record for the highest individual score by an Indian in T20Is which was previously held by Rohit Sharma.
