Xtra Time Web Desk: Virat Kohli’s return to T20I cricket after a gap of 14 months was marked by a show of positive intent, showcasing a willingness to adapt to the evolving demands of the format. Traditionally known as an accumulator early in his innings, Kohli surprised his critics with a brisk 29 off 16 balls in the second T20I against Afghanistan at the Holkar stadium in Indore. Typically, he relies on sharp running between the wickets to set the rhythm of his innings, but this time, he embraced a more aggressive style from the outset.
Going in to bat in the first over, after captain Rohit Sharma was out for consecutive duck, Kohli wasn’t playing the waiting game. Despite returning before the Powerplay concluded, he displayed a newfound intent to activate different gears in his batting early on. This departure was evident in some unconventional shots, including ungainly hoicks and aerial strokes that diverged from his usual batting finesse. Kohli’s cover-driven boundary and a slog-swept shot against Naveen ul Haq, underlined his determination to redefine his utility in the T20 format.
While the discussion around Kohli’s return to T20 cricket often centres around strike rates, he appears resolute in proving that he possesses additional dimensions to his batting arsenal. This innings against Afghanistan suggests Kohli’s readiness to break free from his established mould and contribute to India’s T20 batting evolution.