In the 2023 World Cup group match in Pune, Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli showcased his brilliance by notching his 48th ODI century during India’s victorious encounter against Bangladesh.
India, chasing a modest target of 257 runs, needed 19 runs from 66 deliveries with Kohli requiring as many runs to reach his 48th ODI century. In an exciting turn of events, Kohli achieved his century within the next three overs without opting for singles, instead adopting an aggressive approach. He reached his century with a colossal six in the 42nd over, securing India’s fourth consecutive victory in the 2023 tournament.
During the 41st over of the Indian innings, Kohli demonstrated remarkable fitness as he completed twos on multiple occasions. He had joined the crease in the 13th over and had fielded throughout Bangladesh’s innings. Kohli’s impressive running between the wickets did not go unnoticed, and former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram praised the Indian cricket star.
While some on social media criticized Kohli for prioritizing his century during the latter stages of the match, Akram believed that Kohli’s approach was entirely justified.
“He fielded for the first 50 overs, and then, in the 90th over of the match, he took back-to-back twos. That shows his fitness, that shows that this guy is from another planet. They were winning pretty easily, century ho rahi hai toh hone do (If the batter has a chance to reach his century, let him be). They were toying with the bowlers, they were enjoying the batting. When Kohli came to bat, and the start that he had, it was only a matter of time,” Akram expressed during ‘The Pavilion’ show on Pakistan’s news channel A Sports.
In response to Akram’s comments, the studio replayed Kohli’s twos, leading the former captain to once again commend the batter’s extraordinary fitness. Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Moin Khan also noted that Kohli ran faster than his partner KL Rahul.
“He was on 92. And after fielding for 50 overs, he batted and did that. That shows extreme fitness,” Akram added.
