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India succumbed to a five-wicket loss against Pakistan as the Men in Blue got off to an unceremonious start to their Super 4s of the 2022 Asia Cup in Dubai on Sunday, September 4. One of the batting stars for India was Virat Kohli, who smashed a brilliant 60 off 44 balls as the middle order collapsed around him and almost single-handedly led India to a total of 182 runs for Pakistan to chase done.
Despite his efforts, India could not defend their total after a masterclass performance from Mohammad Rizwan as his side chased down the target with five wickets to spare.
After the match, Kohli caught up with members of the press and spoke freely about coming back to form and gave a staunch reply to all his critics. "I mean, if you give the suggestions in front of the world, it has no value for me. If it is for my improvement you could talk with me one-on-one I genuinely want you to do well. I live life with a lot of honesty, so I see such things. I am not saying that it doesn't matter to me, but you see the real thing. I can only say that.
"When you play for such a long time, with honesty, who gives is the almighty? Until I play, until I am worthy of playing, I will play like this only," he added.
Striking at a rate of 136.36, Kohli's innings included 4 fours and a six. His only maximum of the game brought up his half-century, and the veteran celebrated the moment by kissing the badge on his tee shirt.
"I didn't think I'd go a month without touching my bat, but the situation became such that I had to take a break. More mentally than physically. Then you realise when you bat again after a month why you started playing the game. That [realisation] is lost at times, the way people look at you, cheer for you when you're on the ground, at such times you can lose that realisation," said the 33-year-old.
India's next challenge in the Asia Cup will see them face Sri Lanka in their second match of the Super 4s. The Men in Blue need to win all their remaining matches to make it to the final of the subcontinental event.
