Virat Kohli’s brilliance remains intact… could this be his resurgence? Ashwin shuts down critics of IND star's AUS tour

Veteran Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin lauded Virat Kohli for his outstanding century in the crucial Champions Trophy match against arch-rivals Pakistan. The 36-year-old showcased a brilliant display of form, guiding India to comfortably chase down the 242-run target on a slow Dubai track. Kohli, known for his masterful chases, remained focused and composed throughout his unbeaten 100-run innings, hitting seven boundaries with precision and control. Ashwin praised Kohli's exceptional performance as he led India to a convincing victory.

Ashwin, who recently retired from international cricketer, shut Kohli's critics who were critical of him nicking the ball in the slips during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

“I never had any doubt about Virat’s quality. When we were playing in Australia, people were criticizing that he was nicking the ball in the slips. People should understand that there was grass on the wicket and it was red ball cricket and he was nicking in Test match cricket. And there was so much talk over that. One gets out in the slips, one gets out clean bowled and one also is out as LBW. He was getting out in slips. Okay What is there in that? I don’t read massively into it," said Ashwin on his YouTube channel Ash ki Baat.

The spin maestro suggested that ODI is a format which suits Kohli and the knock against Pakistan might be start of a second coming for him after a rough patch in the last year.

"Virat’s class has not gone anywhere. I always said Virat Kohli’s engine room is ODI cricket. I am glad he is playing ODI cricket and this well could be his second coming. His confidence will only increase,” he added.

“What an absolute stellar knock by Virat Kohli”: Ashwin

Kohli, who was dismissed cheaply for 22, looked in imperious touch against Pakistan and controlled the chase well to help India seal a spot in the Champions Trophy semifinal.

The 36-year-old also completed 14,000 ODI runs during the Pakistan clash and became the fastest to do it. Ashwin also acknowledged Kohli's big achievement and was short of words while praising the batting maestrio.

“We were saying prior to the match that it could be Virat Kohli’s game and I had a good gut feeling. What an absolute stellar knock by Virat Kohli. 51st ODI hundred and 14,000 runs in ODI cricket, 60-70 matches less than the previous best batsman. What more can I say? He is an amazing player,” said Ashwin.

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