OTD in 2022: Virat Kohli's 1020-day wait for 71st ton ended with T20I hundred

Virat Kohli notched up his maiden T20I hundred on this day in 2022. This also ended his 1020-day prolonged wait for his 71st century. Kohli scored 122 runs from 61 balls against Afghanistan.

Virat Kohli is one of the most successful and celebrated cricketers in the world, known for his incredible consistency and hunger for runs. However, between 2019 and 2022, Kohli faced a challenging phase in his career. Despite consistently contributing with the bat, his much-awaited 71st international century seemed elusive. Fans and cricket pundits alike wondered when Kohli would once again reach the three-figure mark.The turning point came on September 8, 2022, in the Asia Cup Super 4 match against Afghanistan in Dubai. Kohli had shown signs of returning to form in the earlier matches, but it was this game where he finally silenced his critics.

Kohli walked in to open the innings for India, a role he doesn’t typically play in T20Is. With India’s regular opener and captain, Rohit Sharma, resting, Kohli seized the opportunity to take charge right from the start. He scored his maiden T20I century. His unbeaten 122 off just 61 balls was a masterclass in controlled aggression, decorated with 12 fours and 6 sixes.It was not only his first century in T20 internationals, but also the then-highest individual score by an Indian in the format. Kohli’s century against Afghanistan was not just about numbers. The match marked his return to peak form, reigniting hopes that more big scores would follow.

Kohli roars back to form

This knock ended a 1020-day wait for Kohli’s 71st international century, a milestone he had last achieved in November 2019 in a Test match against Bangladesh. His prolonged century drought became a talking point, as he had set such high standards over the years. However, Kohli remained focused and continued to contribute to the Indian team’s success in various formats.

Kohli looked composed and confident from the outset. His intent was clear – to dominate the Afghan bowlers while maintaining a calm approach. The Dubai pitch, which had challenged batters in previous matches, seemed to play into Kohli’s strengths this time. His timing was impeccable, as he caressed the ball to the boundary with ease. What was noticeable during the innings was his controlled aggression. He chose his shots carefully, attacking at the right moments while rotating the strike intelligently.

A 1020-day long wait ended

His partnership with stand-in captain KL Rahul was crucial, as the duo laid a strong foundation for India. Kohli reached his half-century off 32 balls and continued to accelerate. As he edged closer to his maiden T20I hundred, Kohli started displaying the full range of his shots – from powerful pulls to elegant cover drives. He used the crease well, picking gaps with precision and showcasing his footwork against the spinners.

In the death overs, Kohli shifted gears further, hitting sixes with ease, including a few audacious flicks over deep mid-wicket. His aggressive stroke play during the final overs allowed him to surpass 100 in just 53 balls. The shot that brought up his century – a crisp pull to deep mid-wicket – was met with roaring applause, both from the stadium and fans worldwide.

By the end of the innings, Kohli remained unbeaten on 122 off 61 balls, his highest score in T20Is. His knock helped India post a daunting total of 212/2, a total that Afghanistan struggled.