Former Indian spinner and Virat Kohli’s teammate Ravichandran Ashwin has speculated that Virat Kohli may be back to his peak from 2016, which is evident from his celebration.
India have not only won one match and performed well with the bat in the ODI series, but they have also got their best batsman back in great form. Kohli scored back-to-back centuries in two matches of the series.
His maiden century in Ranchi marked his comeback, while his second century in Raipur demonstrated his superb form and determination to dominate in the only format of international cricket in which he continues to play.
Ravichandran Ashwin feels that Virat Kohli is playing ODIs to silence his critics.
Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes Virat Kohli has regained his best form of 2016 as he continues to bat with diligence and determination while moving forward with a purpose.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said, “Why is Virat celebrating like this? What is he thinking? What is he doing? We should not forget that Virat left Test cricket. He loved Test cricket and always wanted to play, but he left because it was not just about his needs.”
“With all the chatter that was going on and him not scoring runs in Tests, we don’t know what he wanted to do,” Ashwin said.
Virat Kohli is back to his best form in ODI form.
Ashwin further highlighted the fact that Virat has been celebrating his centuries very aggressively, and he is bringing the heat back on the field with or without the bat.
“Now he has agreed to play in Vijay Hazare, so there is communication. In many ways, Virat must have thought “Are these guys doubting, are they doubting the ability?” He must have taken it to heart that there are doubts about my skills and ability and I will show them now,” Ashwin said.
Ashwin said, “Sometimes, in a desperate attempt to prove yourself, you get tired and exhausted, and there is a possibility that this may have happened with Virat in the past as well. But now, he might be telling you that you doubted me? Now I have shown what I can do.”
India has to play the series decider in Visakhapatnam
India lost its first ODI series after the Champions Trophy win. It was a 2-1 defeat to Australia, although the comeback of the Indian giants was the only strength.
He has carried on with his form since the Australia tour and has made a great start to the South Africa series. Kohli, showing a glimpse of his peak at the age of 37, made the home crowd stand on their feet and start dancing. He is challenging the factors and getting it back in Test form, which is leading to his retirement.
Souths also have a sure shot rival, Tor, and with the scores 1-1-1, the Proteas and the Men in Blue will head to Visakhapatnam for the series decider.
Also read: Joe Root created history by ending the century drought in Australia!
