In what was a disappointing outing for Team India in the Asia Cup 2022 as they failed to make it into the final of the tournament, the fans had enough reasons to celebrate as one of the country’s most beloved cricketers Virat Kohli ended his almost three-year long century drought.
Not only did Kohli bring up his 71st international century, but he also emerged as the tournament’s second-highest run-getter.
After the match-winning knock of 122* off just 61 balls against Afghanistan on September 08, the star batter thanked his wife Anushka Sharma for her support through some tough moments.
"This hundred is dedicated to Anushka who stood by me all through and to daughter Vamika as well. When you have someone next to me, putting things in right perspective, like Anushka who was with me all the side," Kohli had said to commentators after the Indian innings finished.
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting praised Virat for acknowledging the support he received from his wife, saying it's a side of a sportsman's journey that virtually goes unaddressed, especially in men's sports.
Ponting told ICC: "It’s great to see him back in the runs. Great to see him back with a smile on his face. That’s the thing you know He was so happy, and I guess (he’s) relieved at the end of that game. He obviously spoke very fondly about his wife’s influence on the last couple of years of his life as well, which is also very nice to hear. A lot of that stuff goes unspoken about, in men’s sport in particular.”
The legendary batter also expressed his delight to see the former Indian skipper back among runs.
"Just the impact that your family and your very close ones have on you through your career. So it’s nice to hear that but also great to see Virat back in the runs again," he stated.
Before the T20 World Cup in October, the Men in Blue will play 6 T20Is at home, 3 each against Australia and South Africa.
The series against Australia will get underway on Tuesday (September 20) in Mohali.
(ICC INPUTS)
