Indian superstar Virat Kohli has attributed his incredible T20 World Cup form to being in a “happy space” after helping his side edge closer to a semi-final spot.
Kohli was named the Player of the Match for an unbeaten 64 off 44 deliveries that allowed India to post an imposing 6-184 against Bangladesh in a vital Group 2 clash.
In response, Bangladesh flew out of the gates courtesy of opener Litton Das who smacked a 27-ball 60 before losing its way following a rain delay, eventually falling five runs short of the revised target of 151 in 16 overs.
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Kohli’s unbeaten 64 against Bangladesh raised his average at this year’s tournament to an astounding 220, with the former captain dismissed just once in four innings so far.
He became the leading runscorer in T20 World Cup history during the innings, passing the previous record of 1016 runs set by former Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jaywardena. The mark Kohli eventually sets is likely to be nigh on impossible to track down for tomorrow’s superstars.
His rich vein of form comes after critics had questioned his spot in India’s T20 side following a lean patch that spanned over a number of years, and Kohli said learning the World Cup was in Australia helped him out of his rut.
“I’m just in a happy space, I don’t want to compare anything. What’s in the past is in the past,” he said.
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“As soon as I knew the World Cup was in Australia, I was grinning from ear to ear. I knew good cricketing shots would be the key. I knew the kind of experience and game awareness of having played in Australia will come in handy for the team.
“I absolutely love playing in this ground (the Adelaide Oval). Right from the nets at the back, as soon as I enter, it makes me feel at home. That knock at MCG was meant to be, but when I come here, it’s like I’m meant to come to Adelaide and enjoy my batting.”
Despite doubts surrounding his teammate’s form, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma suggested he always maintained confidence in the superstar batter.
“In my mind, Kohli was always there,” he said.
“It was just a matter of few innings here and there, and he hasn’t looked back since the Asia Cup. The guy has so much experience.”
Kohli’s innings helped India rise to the top of Group 2 with six points, one point ahead of the second-placed South Africa, which as a game in hand.
India will look to cement its semi-final spot when it faces Zimbabwe at the MCG in its final group stage match on Sunday evening.
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