Misbah-ul-Haq Warns Babar Azam’s Men of Virat Kohli’s Mental Supremacy Ahead of T20 World Cup Clash
In Short
- Misbah-ul-Haq highlighted Virat Kohli’s dominance against Pakistan
- Misbah said Pakistan need to dismiss Virat Kohli early in their T20 World Cup meeting
- India and Pakistan will meet in New York in a group-stage game on June 9
Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has sounded a cautionary note to the Babar Azam-led team, urging them to be wary of the mental supremacy held by Indian superstar Virat Kohli ahead of the highly anticipated T20 World Cup clash between India and Pakistan.
Misbah emphasized Kohli’s dominance over Pakistan players in the white-ball format and highlighted the impact of his performances on the opposition.
In an exclusive interaction with IndiaToday’s Star Sports Press Room Show, Misbah delved into the psychological aspect of facing an opponent against whom players have historically excelled.
Drawing attention to India’s impressive record of six victories in seven T20 World Cup encounters against Pakistan, Misbah stressed the lingering impact of past performances on both teams’ mindsets.
“Players have a muscle memory, and it is in their minds when they take on an opposition against whom they perform well. Your impact always stays strong in those matches and it affects the opposition as well.
Virat Kohli has that edge, the way in initial matches he performed against other teams and Pakistan he damaged the team by playing crucial innings,” Misbah remarked.
Recalling Kohli’s standout performances against Pakistan in previous T20 World Cups, Misbah highlighted the Indian skipper’s ability to elevate his game on the big stage.
He pointed to Kohli’s match-winning knock of 82* against Pakistan in the 2022 T20 World Cup encounter at the Melbourne Cricket Ground as a testament to his prowess under pressure.
Misbah underscored Kohli’s heightened motivation and confidence whenever he faces Pakistan, emphasizing the need for the Pakistani team to devise strategies to neutralize his impact early in the match.
“Virat Kohli holds a mental supremacy over Pakistan. He would feel more confident in those situations while playing against Pakistan and much more charged up,” Misbah remarked.
Reflecting on the pivotal Champions Trophy final of 2017, in which Mohammad Amir dismissed Kohli early in the innings, Misbah emphasized the significance of getting Kohli out early to enhance Pakistan’s chances of success.
“He is that kind of player, the bigger the opportunity, rather than taking pressure, he takes motivation from that. He is a top-class cricketer and he has the capability to perform against any opposition.
There is only one way, the way he was dismissed initially in the Champions Trophy, Pakistan or any other team has to get him out,” Misbah stated.
With Kohli’s stellar record of 488 runs in 10 T20 matches against Pakistan at an average of 81.33, Misbah acknowledged the Indian captain’s formidable presence and his recent form in IPL 2024, where he scored 661 runs in 13 matches for RCB.
Misbah also weighed in on the debate surrounding Kohli’s strike rate, asserting that Kohli’s ability to win matches for his team supersedes any concerns about strike rate.
He emphasized Kohli’s adaptability and match-winning capabilities, highlighting the RCB star’s proactive approach in IPL 2024.
“No matter how much you talk about strike rates, Virat Kohli is that kind of a player, who knows how to win a match, who knows how to make a team win.
No matter in what situation the opposition is, they are not safe against Virat Kohli,” Misbah concluded.