Virat Kohli reflected on the memorable moments from his match against Pakistan at the T20 World Cup 2022.
He discussed strategic refinements aimed at enhancing not only his individual performance but also contributing to the team's chances of victory.
In celebration of Kohli's 35th birthday, the International Cricket Council (ICC) honored the Indian cricket superstar by labeling his remarkable 84-meter six against Pakistan's Haris Rauf at the MCG as the 'Shot of the Century.'
This recognition highlights the significance and brilliance of that particular shot in cricket history.
Speaking exclusively to Star Sports, Virat Kohli on 'Believe': The Diwali Miracle' show, Kohli recalled his famous shot which broke the internet in his match against Pakistan and was termed as the ‘Shot of the Century’ by ICC at the T20 World Cup and said: "I have seen this a lot of times, but these small things in the middle, these are very special because obviously, you have lived these moments but you haven’t seen it again.
"Just those little moments are something that I'm very, you know, I feel very nostalgic about, and in a good way. You know what you did, and that moment got captured in some way and someone has seen it."
Kohli has recently reached a significant milestone, matching Sachin Tendulkar's record for the highest number of centuries in One-Day Internationals. He achieved his 49th century on his 35th birthday during a league stage match against South Africa in the ICC Men's ODI Cricket World Cup.
In addition to his impressive feat, the 35-year-old batsman shared insights into his approach to cricket, emphasizing his ongoing commitment to self-improvement. He expressed how challenging himself to consistently enhance his game has been a key factor in his successful career, highlighting the mindset that has propelled him to excel in the world of cricket.
“I think you can call it that for sure. There is one thing that is practice on technique and skill. There is one where you think about techniques that you can use to win the match or if I can play like this, this is an improvement for sure.
"A lot of people don't know this about the improvement of batting. Improvement happens when you think about what can add to my game to win the match. You don’t do it to become a complete batsman.
"This very few people know that to technically look good you don’t practice; it is so that I can learn a new shot and I can score runs for the team and win the match."
I can cover all the spaces and score runs, and that should be the motivation. Think that's a nice way to put it; no one has given me perspective about this thing, but it feels like it is certainly a gift. It is not something that I will ever claim; I can only feel grateful. I mean, how can you not feel grateful?
"You're part of a moment which you felt was so pure and so intense at the same time, and you were chosen to be there in the execution of that moment.
"If I have seen such a moment, I will remember Sachin sir's sixes in Sharjah in the World Cup. And I’m in that moment, so I remember when this happened as well; everything comes to your mind.”
Having matched Sachin Tendulkar's record for the most One-Day International (ODI) centuries with a remarkable tally of 49, Kohli now has at least two more chances in the ongoing ICC Men's Cricket World Cup to surpass the 50-mark and establish a new record, overtaking his compatriot Tendulkar.
India's upcoming match against the Netherlands on Sunday will be their final league encounter before heading into the semifinals, providing Kohli with additional opportunities to further solidify his standing as one of the greatest ODI centurions in the history of the game.
(With Agency Inputs)
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