Virat Kohli’s Last T20 Innings: 4 Inspiring Lessons

Before the T20 World Cup Final, Virat Kohli’s performance stats were as follows: 1 (5), 4 (3), 0 (1), 24 (24), 37 (28), 0 (5), 9 (9). The run machine Kohli faced challenges even against teams like the USA (where he was dismissed for a duck on the first delivery). His inclusion in the final squad raised doubts among some, but Team India trusted in his legendary status, and he delivered when it mattered most.

His last T20 innings in an international event showcased why he is considered one of the greatest players. This article draws inspiration from his journey, exploring themes of overcoming adversity, leveraging strengths, embracing the game, and achieving remarkable success.

The form is temporary, class is permanent!

In the 2024 World Cup final, India had a disappointing start in the first innings. In form, Rohit Sharma & dangerous Rishabh Pant got out in the 2nd over. All eyes were on Suryakumar Yadav, but he got out as well. India was in a huge mess.

Typically, such scenarios have been ideal for King Kohli to demonstrate his class in any tournament. However, this World Cup presented a different challenge. The usually consistent run machine Kohli was out of form, struggling even to reach double-digit scores.

1. Never let your past impact your present.

Just seven months ago, during the ODI World Cup final, India chose to bat first, aiming for a commanding performance with the bat in the ultimate match. However, their batting lineup collapsed against the Australian bowling attack, and India could only manage 240 runs in their allotted 50 overs. Australia comfortably chased down the target, resulting in a humiliating defeat for India in front of their home crowd.

Coming into the 2024 World Cup final against South Africa, India carried the weight of these recent disappointments. Since 2013, India had suffered defeat in eight consecutive knockout games at ICC events. Despite their strong performances in the earlier stages, the Indian team struggled to leave a lasting impression in crucial knockout matches.

Despite these setbacks, Virat Kohli maintained a resilient mindset. He began his innings positively and struck three exquisite boundaries off Marco Jansen in the first over, indicating he was in good form.

What a game this is. One day you feel you wont be able to score a single run, and the other day, everything falls into place and good things happen.

Virat Kohli said to Rohit sharma after a good start. (He recalled it in an interaction with PM Narendra Modi)

2. Believe in your strength.

Virat Kohli’s forte was his ability to rotate the strike and construct innings. However, in this World Cup, he opted for a more aggressive approach, which backfired, leading to disappointing results. Yet, the seasoned Virat swiftly reverted to his traditional game plan of anchoring the innings alongside all-rounder Axer Patel, especially after India lost three early wickets in the final. As Axer Patel unleashed his aggressive strokes and sixes, Virat resumed his role of accumulating singles and doubles, effectively revitalizing India’s innings.

When wickets fell early I understood that I had to surrender to the situation, for the team. The only thing I was focusing on was what’s necessary for the team. I felt, I was pushed into that zone. I was into that moment. Later I realized that whatever is supposed to happen, it happens. It was bound to happen to me and to the team.

Virat Kohli

3. You know the game better than the spectators.

Virat completed his fifty off 48 balls, with a strike rate that wasn’t particularly impressive. Despite the pressure from the South African bowlers, Kohli maintained his composure, trusted in his skills, and eventually shifted into a higher gear. Over the next nine deliveries, he smashed 26 runs, including two sixes and two boundaries. Kohli concluded his innings with a commendable 76 off 59 balls.

During his struggle to hit sixes, doubts resurfaced about his abilities. Even after India finished their innings at 176/7, many felt it wasn’t a competitive total. Critics questioned why Virat didn’t aim for a higher strike rate. However, it turned out to be the highest first-innings total in T20 World Cup history.

4. When you respect the game, it respects you.

I realized when you feel you can do anything, your ego takes over and the game pulls away from you. I had to keep my ego aside. The situation was such that I had to keep my pride aside for team. When you respect the game, it respects you. So that’s what I experienced.

Virat Kohli in interaction with PM Narendra Modi

When Virat Kohli opened the innings with Rohit Sharma in World Cup 2024, it seemed a perfect pair. Aggressive Rohit & composed Kohli was a perfect combination. But Virat struggled at the top spot. One-down was his favorite position, where he was invincible. But his team needed him at the top.

As Virat said, he had to keep his ego aside for the team. When he was pushed out of his comfort zone, he tried to be someone else and failed. Then he surrendered to the situation, kept his pride aside, respaced to the game of cricket, and kept things simple. It worked and he was the man of the match in the World Cup final.

Key Takeaways:

• Virat Kohli was not in good form before the final. But he didn’t let his poor past performance affect his present and played the most memorable inning in the final. We should never let our past impact our present.
• Rotating the strike and building the innings was Virat Kohli’s strength but he tried to be aggressive in initial games and failed. But in the final after the fall of early wickets, he backed his strength and built Indian innings with singles and doubles. Always back your strength in tough times.
• After getting 3 boundaries in the first 4 balls, Virat told Rohit, “What a game this is one day you feel you won’t be able to score a single run, and the other day, everything falls into place and good things happen.” Have patience, at the right time everything will be fine.
• Virat failed as an opener in the initial games. “He can bat only at no 3” people thought. But in the final when his team needed him the most, he played the wonderful innings as an opener and put a respectable total on the board. Mother Nature has plans for you, believe in it.
• Before the final, people questioned Virat’s inclusion in the squad. But today those people appreciate him. Time corrects everything. Believe in yourself and never let people’s opinions affect your work.
• Be respectful and surrender to your dream, it will bring glory.