Former India opening batter Virender Sehwag has said that Virat Kohli always performs on the big stage. Kohli scored a half-century to guide India to a six-wicket win against Australia in the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.
Speaking to Cricbuzz, Sehwag said both Kohli and KL Rahul played exceptionally well, adding that they stitched together a great partnership. Kohli and Rahul formed a 165-run stand for the fourth wicket, which was India’s biggest partnership against Australia in ODI World Cups.
“Both Virat Kohli and KL Rahul played exceptionally well. Their partnership was fantastic. Both of them scored hundreds together against Pakistan as well and stitched together a great partnership. But this time, it came under a lot of pressure and was in a crunch situation,” said Sehwag.
He went on to say that Kohli always performs on the bog stage, insisting that his hunger to score increases in World Cup matches. Kohli scored 85 runs off 116 balls, hitting six boundaries in Chennai.
“What can I say about Virat Kohli? Jahan matter bade hote hain, wahan King Kohli khade hote hain (Virat Kohli always performs on the big stage). Virat likes to perform on the big stage. His hunger to score increases in World Cups. I was quite surprised to see him get out at 85. He likes to stay till the end. He will be quite disappointed,” Sehwag added.
Sehwag said Kohli used to tell him in 2008 to play a bit slowly, which is what he told Rahul on Sunday, showing that he plays according to the situation. Kohli broke Sachin Tendulkar’s record to register the most runs while chasing targets in ODI history.
“A 34-year-old Virat told Rahul to play like Test cricket here. However, Kohli used to tell me the same in 2008. He would ask me to play a bit slowly, like Test cricket. That is his nature. He likes to take his time before going for big shots. This has made him such a big player. He plays according to the situation and knows that even if he takes a few balls, he can cover up later in the innings,” said Sehwag.
