The much-awaited Asia Cup 2023 is all set to kick off with Pakistan taking on Nepal on August 30 in Multan. India, meanwhile, will open their campaign with a blockbuster clash against one of the hosts of the event, Pakistan, in Kandy on September 2. Both the teams have high-quality players in the squad and for the same reason, their encounter will be a crowd puller as always.
Undoubtedly, the main highlight will be the superstars of both teams like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi. In this article, we examine three reasons why Kohli can be the Player of the Match in India’s Asia Cup clash against Pakistan.
3. Ability to combat pressure
One of the finest cricketers in the modern era, Kohli is a master at tackling pressure situations. The 34-year-old’s confidence and ability to perform well in big matches set him apart from many other top cricketers. For a player playing in a major tournament like the Asia Cup and against arch-rivals Pakistan, he needs not only skills but also composure.
2. Dominance against Pakistan
Kohli’s 82* not out in the 2022 T20 World Cup is alone enough is to prove his dominance against Babar Azam and Co. With India’s win percentage at just 15%, the batting stalwart single-handedly turned the tide and recorded an epic successful chase in the history of the game. Furthermore, the No. 3 batter holds the record for the highest individual score in Asia Cup history, which came against the Men in Green in 2012. He scored 183 runs off 148 balls with a record 22 fours and 1 six.
1. Consistent in the ODI format
With nearly 13000 runs, Kohli is one of the most prolific players in the 50-over format. The backbone of the Indian batting unit has a superb average of 57.32 in this format and he has over 60 in the Asia Cup. Aside from his two-and-a-half-year rough patch, the ace batter has been consistent throughout his career. The ace batter regained his form by ending his century drought in all formats of the game and is expected to play a crucial role in India’s campaign at the continental event.