Legendary India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar recalled the incredible knock that Virat Kohli played against Pakistan in the 2022 T20 World Cup and remarked that the Men in Green will be breathing a sigh of relief that they wouldn't have to bowl to the batter in their upcoming Asia Cup clash. During that match in Melbourne, Kohli played a stellar inning of 82 runs and carried the Men in Blue to an emphatic victory.
The batter went on to announce his retirement from the shortest format after India won the 2024 T20 World Cup. Though he is still active as a player in the one-day format, there is no guarantee if he will be seen in action against Pakistan in a major international tournament in the future.
Gavaskar's blunt reminder to Pakistan
Gavaskar feels that the Pakistan bowlers will certainly be quite happy that they will not have to bowl to Kohli in their upcoming clash in Asia Cup. He also pointed out how the India batter has played muktiple memorable knocks against the arch-rivals in T20Is.
"I'm sure they will be pretty happy not to have to bowl to him. Because we have seen some fabulous innings. What about that Melbourne innings, when the match looked lost as far as India was concerned? Then he hit those unbelievable two sixes off Haris Rauf to take India close to a win and then Ashwin finished it towards the end," Gavaskar told India Today.
"So yes, if I were a Pakistani, I would certainly be breathing a lot easier. That they are not playing against Kohli. Kohli, the cricketer, not just the batter," he added.
Meanwhile, Gavaskar also shared his take on the boycott calls surrounding the India-Pakistan Asia Cup clash. He ended up defending both the BCCI and Indian players, stating that they are just following the guidelines of the government.
"It doesn't matter what anyone will say about it now as our government has decided that the match will go ahead as planned. The players and BCCI also have to follow government's guidelines. I can understand the people's feelings but the government has already taken the decision on this matter," Gavaskar stated.