In the opening match of India’s Asia Cup 2022 in Dubai on Sunday, Kohli played his 100th T20I and scored a nervous 35 off 34 deliveries against Pakistan. Despite showing hints of his former prowess with his signature pull shot, he fouled out at long off against left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz.
Since making a comeback to international cricket, Hardik Pandya has enjoyed an incredible run. Prior to this year’s World T20 in Australia, the flamboyant player was India’s go-to all-rounder despite having his share of contentious times and injuries. On the other side, former captain Virat Kohli is attempting to regain his motivation.
India’s search for the winning score of 148 got off to a rough start as KL Rahul returned for zero. The next ball Kohli faced, Fakhar Zaman dropped him at the second slip with the score at zero. However, the Indian made it past 30 before dying from a careless hit that went straight to fielder Iftikhar Ahmed. Pandya prevented the game from ending with a 52-run partnership with Jadeja, who scored 35 runs. With a six over wide mid-on, Pandya put the game to their side in fine fashion. In the end, he scored 33 goals off of 17 deliveries.
However, former Indian batsman, Gautam Gambhir was not happy with Virat Kohli’s dismissal. He criticized Kohli for getting out at a crucial time. Read below to know what he said.
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Gautam Gambhir criticizes Virat Kohli over the dismissal
With India down to 53 for three in the 10th over after Kohli’s dismissal, former India opener Gautam Gambhir has questioned the judgment. The final ball of Nawaz’s previous over resulted in the dismissal of captain Rohit Sharma.
Gambhir during a debate on Star Sports said that “he would be devastated because Rohit Sharma had just lost his wicket, and if he had played that shot after that, it would have been better if it had been a young player. If a young batsman had made that shot, there would have been a lot of criticism.”
“Given how many runs he has scored in international cricket, I have no doubt that he would tell himself that this shot was unnecessary when he sees it. Your skipper had just been out when you played 34 balls and scored 35 runs. Had you extended your inning a little further, things might have been simpler,” he added.
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