Kohli scored a blistering half-century against Hong Kong on Wednesday
Virat Kohli returned to the Indian team and has been in excellent shape after taking a break of almost one and a half months before the ongoing Asia Cup 2022. With 94 runs from 2 games in the Asia Cup, Kohli is currently India's highest-run scorer.
Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan said he is pleased to see the batting maestro regaining form. He added that since returning from the break, Kohli's tactics and mindset have significantly changed.
After playing an innings of substance against Pakistan (35 off 34 balls), he played a fiery knock against Hong Kong on Wednesday (August 31), scoring a half-century, his 31st in the shortest format. He remained unbeaten on 59 off 44 balls.
Pathan remarked that the former Indian captain is looking far more relaxed and calm.
"Really pleased to see the way Virat Kohli has been batting. He is looking calm. Even before the game, he was very relaxed. There is a vast difference between what he was before the IPL, his mindset. He did not look as relaxed before the IPL. Now he is starting to look a lot more relaxed," he told Star Sports after India's win over Hong Kong.
He continued by saying that while he does not advocate players taking breaks when they are out of form, Virat has been working hard on his technique and mindset while being away from competitive cricket.
"That break which he took I am not a big fan of long breaks but when he took that break. He worked really hard. In the break, what you do is important. I think he worked really hard and worked on his technique and mindset. He went out of form. This innings is a clear example of what Virat Kohli can do. Those quick singles, doubles, everything went for him. He has become the highest scorer," he added.
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The former cricketer said that although the 33-year-old has a plethora of shots in his arsenal, his running hard between the wickets for those ones and twos in the middle overs is a way to know that he is in the zone.
"So heartening to see King Kohli coming back to form. This is where his strength is. Yes, we all talk about his cover drives. But when he starts to score those singles and doubles in the leg-side against spinners, this is where we know Virat Kohli is in the zone," he added further.
On Sunday (September 04), India will play the winner of the Group A match between Pakistan and Hong Kong on Friday (September 02) at the Dubai International Stadium.
(STAR SPORTS INPUTS)