Virat Kohli gets fans excited while batting at the nets ahead of Pakistan clash on Sunday | T20 World Cup 2022

Xtra Time Web Desk: It was a rare sight to see Pakistan fans cheering as Virat Kohli hit some breath-taking strokes at the practice at MCG on the eve of the first match in T20 World Cup 2022 opener against Pakistan. Kohli looked in great touch as he faced the likes of Hardik Pandya, Harshal Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravichandran Ashwin.

The 33-year-old middled most of his deliveries and showed signs of regaining his best. He played some gorgeous cover drives and hit some scintillating pull shots. Every time Kohli hit a superb stroke, the thousand odd fans who gathered to watch the Indian team practice session cheered.

It was quite a sight for the fans as Kohli faced Hardik, with the all-rounder troubling the star batter a couple of times. Later, Virat was seen having a fun banter with Hardik as he finished batting at the nets. Kohli was in a jovial mood as he was seen sharing a joke with Yuzvendra Chahal.

Later after the nets, Virat was seen involved in a long discussion with captain Rohit Sharma, Head Coach Rahul Dravid and batting coach Vikram Rathour.

As far as Sunday’s big match against Pakistan is concerned, a lot will rely on the star Indian batter for a couple of reasons. Firstly, he has simply incredible numbers against Pakistan in T20Is, scoring 406 runs in nine games at an outstanding average of 67.66.

Secondly, Virat is playing in Australian conditions, where he has already scored 450 runs in 10 T20I innings at an average of more than 65. Kohli has often turned up in ICC events, especially against Pakistan, and would want to do the same in the crucial encounter at the MCG.

Kohli, who was struggling to score runs in the first half of 2022, found his mojo back during the recently concluded Asia Cup 2022 in Dubai. Virat’s return to form has been the biggest positive for India in the subcontinental championship.