Having been absent from the opening match of the ongoing India vs Afghanistan T20I series in Mohali due to personal reasons, Virat Kohli made his return for the second match in Indore’s Holkar Stadium on January 14 (Sunday). This marked his first appearance in the T20 format for India since the 2022 T20 World Cup held in Australia. Facing Afghanistan pacer Naveen-ul-Haq, Kohli almost replicated the T20 World Cup 2022 shot against Pakistan's Haris Rauf that was regarded by many as one of the best shots the cricket fans have ever witnessed. While the Rauf delivery resulted in a six, the shot against Naveen fell just short, earning him 4 runs.
Fans noticed the similarities between the two shots, but Kohli, wanting the ball to travel a greater distance for a six, wasn't entirely satisfied with his attempt. Quite similar to Hairs Rauf’s delivery back in the T20 World Cup 2022, which was pitched around the eight-metre mark, Naveen-ul-Haq’s delivery was pitched around the same spot as well. However, Virat Kohli’s loft swivel, straight down the ground, was not exactly how he did it in the World Cup in Australia. It wasn’t timed that well and hence, yielded just four runs. Video of the same has been making rounds on social media.
Here’s The Video:
Coming to the IND vs AFG match in Indore, opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shivam Dube both scored half-centuries as India comfortably defeated Afghanistan by six wickets. Jaiswal, with 68 off 34 balls, formed crucial partnerships, including a 92-run stand with Dube (unbeaten at 63), helping India secure an unassailable 2-0 lead.
India, ranked at the top, extended their unbeaten streak at home in T20 series to 15. The bowlers played a crucial role in the victory, with left-arm spinner Axar Patel leading the way with figures of 2-17, dismissing Afghanistan for 172 despite Gulbadin Naib's 57.