Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan is expressing optimism about Virat Kohli’s form ahead of the England series in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC). Kohli, who recently concluded the South Africa series as India’s leading run-scorer, is expected to continue his impressive performance.
After an impactful campaign in the One Day International (ODI) World Cup last year, Kohli made a strong comeback to the Indian side. In the South Africa series opener, he contributed with 38 runs off 64 balls. However, it was in the second innings at Centurion where Kohli truly showcased his prowess, playing a gritty knock of 76 off 82 balls. He continued his form in the Cape Town Test, scoring 46 off 59 balls, contributing to India’s seven-wicket victory.
According to Irfan Pathan, Kohli is “back at his very best,” and he attributes this to the batsman’s exceptional foot movement. Pathan notes that Kohli is displaying aggressive signs with his footwork, which bodes well for India in the upcoming England series. The ability to move assertively on the crease is seen as a crucial factor that might aid Kohli in scoring runs against England.
Having averaged 43.00 in the South Africa series, Kohli amassed a total of 172 runs in the two Tests. As he gears up for his 114th Test appearance for India in the England series opener at Hyderabad, Kohli’s recent performances indicate a return to top form. His arrival in Hyderabad signals the beginning of what many hope will be another prolific run-scoring spree for the former Indian skipper.
Kohli’s overall Test record is impressive, with an average of 49.16 and a total of 8,848 runs in 113 Tests. His consistency is highlighted by 29 centuries and 30 half-centuries in the longest format of the game. In the current WTC cycle (2023-2026), Kohli has played four Tests, accumulating 369 runs for the Asian giants. Despite this commendable performance, Australia’s Usman Khawaja leads the run-scoring charts in the WTC 2023-2025 with 770 runs in nine games.
The much-anticipated clash between Kohli’s India and Ben Stokes’ England is scheduled for the first Test at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Thursday. With both teams aiming for success in the WTC, the focus will be on individual performances, and Kohli’s form will play a crucial role in India’s pursuit of victory.
As cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the series, the narrative surrounding Kohli’s return to peak form adds an extra layer of excitement. The combination of Kohli’s skill, determination, and aggressive footwork will be closely watched as he faces the English bowling attack. The context of the WTC adds significance to every run scored and wicket taken, making each match a crucial stepping stone in the teams’ pursuit of championship glory.
In conclusion, Virat Kohli’s resurgence is not only a positive sign for Indian cricket but also adds anticipation and excitement to the upcoming series against England. Irfan Pathan’s endorsement of Kohli’s aggressive signs with his footwork further heightens expectations, setting the stage for a riveting contest between two formidable cricketing nations in the WTC.
Virat Kohli’s resurgence brings a renewed sense of confidence to Team India as they prepare to face England in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship. Kohli’s recent performances in South Africa, marked by his exceptional foot movement and assertive batting, indicate a return to prime form. As he readies for his 114th Test appearance, the cricketing world eagerly anticipates another masterclass from the former Indian skipper. The clash against England, led by Ben Stokes, promises high-stakes cricket, with both teams eyeing success in the WTC. Kohli’s role as a key run-scorer and leader becomes paramount, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the series.