India vs Pakistan: Social Media Erupts After Virat Kohli’s Knock
The reigning master of successful chases in one-day cricket, Virat Kohli did it once more. Kohli took his form back to fresh heights with an unforgettable century against Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy, claiming that he has yet to fulfill his hunger for runs. Playing at Dubai International Stadium, under the guise of Lee Statkov Peck, Kohli engineered a chase that will be spoken of for years to come and in the process shattered numerous records. This included overtaking Ricky Ponting to become the third-highest run-scorer in all types of cricket, as well as breaching the 14,000 ODI run landmark.
Kohli’s phenomenal innings at once shattered the Hopes of Pakistan in the tournament and earned him praise for crossing the border. Pakistani fans and media went on to acknowledge the masterful innings. In the morning, headlines were laced with the Pakistan media reaction on India’s win:
- Geo News: “Kohli stars as Pakistan loses high-stakes Champions Trophy clash against India.”
- Dawn: “Champions Trophy: Virat Does a Kohli, Powers India to an Easy Win over Pakistan.”
- The Express Tribune: “Champions Trophy: India Outclass Pakistan, Potentially Eliminating the Defending Champions.”
- ARY News: “India triumphs over Pakistan in One-Sided Champions Trophy Clash.”
There was that long-awaited sigh of relief for the fans watching India vs Pakistan match, glued to the screen, and the continuing frustration was somehow boiling down as well. After several struggles with consistency across the formats, that innings provided a clear signal that Virat Kohli is back to his best. His timing and his original flare were all there to show that he is the master of forbearance and despotism, an understanding that, until yesterday, the game had been deprived of.
Overcoming A Rough Patch
Kohli’s struggles in 2024 were evident. He often attempted aggressive shots early in his innings but grew frustrated when he failed to connect. His dismissals were uncharacteristic—either reckless shots (as seen in the T20 World Cup) or technical weaknesses, such as:
- Carelessly poking at deliveries outside the off-stump.
- Falling victim to spin bowling.
A fascinating statistic from CricViz, a cricket data analytics platform, sheds light on Kohli’s feast-or-famine pattern. In his first 30 ODI balls in 2022, he has averaged just 38.1 with a strike rate of 82. Nonetheless, if he survives this phase, his numbers skyrocket. In the next 60 balls, he averages 87.4 and strikes at 102, demonstrating his ability to turn cautious starts into monumental innings.
Kohli’s Consistency In ODIs
Despite facing challenges, Kohli’s overall ODI stats since 2022 remain impressive. As per ESPNCricinfo:
- 1,916 runs in 45 matches (42 innings)
- Average: 53.22 | Strike rate: 94.99
- 8 centuries and 11 fifties
- Highest score: 166
Furthermore, as per Cricbuzz, Kohli has claimed five ‘Player of the Match’ awards against Pakistan in ICC tournaments—more than any other player against a single opponent:
- 78 (T20 World Cup 2012)*
- 107 (2015 ICC Cricket World Cup)
- 55 (T20 World Cup 2016)*
- 82 (T20 World Cup 2022)*
- 100 (Champions Trophy 2025)*
Final Words: A Legacy Reinforced
Virat Kohli’s century against Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy wasn’t just another milestone; it was a resounding statement. After a period of inconsistency, he reaffirmed why he is regarded as one of the greatest chasers in cricket history. His ability to rise to the occasion, especially against arch-rivals, cements his status as a modern-day legend.
This performance not only rewrote records but also reignited the belief that when Kohli finds his rhythm, he is nearly unstoppable. His journey through highs and lows embodies the spirit of a true champion—resilience, hunger, and an undying passion for the game. As the cricketing world watches in awe, one thing is certain: when Kohli is in full flow, no target is too big, and no challenge too great.
