Virat Kohli (left) salutes the crowd after turning 50 against Pakistan
Dubai (AFP) – Indian Virat Kohli said, on Sunday, that he is enjoying his game again after reaching half a century in a row in the 20th Asian Cup, including 60 matches against Pakistan.
Kohli, 33, took part in the tournament that serves as a harmony for the T20 World Cup in October and November, after a one-month break to deal with mental stress during the extended stroke slump.
The bat star, who scored 35 and 59 did not come out in the two group stage matches, led India’s strike in the Super Four’s main match against Pakistan.
India lost by five wickets last time out in Dubai, but Kohli seems to have found his old form in his 44-ball, four-by-six, and said the critics never bothered him.
“I never cared about these critics,” said Kohli, who recently spoke of “false sharpness” to put a brave front on his lean patch.
“I played for 14 years and it does not happen by chance. People have their opinion but it does not change my happiness.”
Kohli missed the White Ball tour of India in the West Indies and Zimbabwe to recharge his energy and joined the squad ahead of the six-nation Asian Cup.
Captain Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid insisted at press conferences that Kohli looked refreshed.
Kohli said he felt welcome in the team.
“It took some time and gave me relaxation because it wasn’t everything and the end of the whole life,” Kohli said.
“I was able to find my enthusiasm again and when I came here the environment in the team was great. I love playing at the moment again and I feel good to hit.”
