Virat Kohli picks his favourite match apart from 2011 World Cup final

Virat Kohli, the Indian skipper, has played a number of jaw-dropping knocks for the national team ever since he made his debut in Sri Lanka back in 2008. At the age of 31, the Delhi-born has a plethora of records under his belt and is speculated to break more going into the future. Over the course of his career, he has mustered the art of soaking in pressure in crunch situations.

In 2011, he was a part of the Indian squad, which won the World Cup at home after 28 years. Though MS Dhoni and Gautam Gambhir scored in the 90s and hogged most of the limelight, Virat had his moments too. He made 35 off 49 before being caught and bowled by Tillakaratne Dilshan. It didn’t spring a surprise that the game in Mumbai is Virat’s most memorable encounter.

Keeping that aside, the veteran also put forth his second choice as his most favourite contest. “Apart from the 2011 finals, my other favourite match from the atmosphere and importance of the game point of view, would be the 2016 T20 quarter-finals against Australia in Mohali,” Kohli was quoted as saying on Star Sports Show ‘Cricket Connected’.

Virat Kohli mauling Australia

At the PCA Stadium in Mohali, there was no stopping Virat. After winning the toss and electing to bat, Steve Smith’s Australia put on 160 on the board for the loss of six wickets. Aaron Finch top scored with 43 off 34 and the others also chipped in. In their run-chase, India found themselves in more than a spot of bother as they were reduced to 94 for four by the end of the 14th over.

The required rate had climbed over 11 and Virat had a daunting task ahead of him. However, instead of letting the situation get the better of him, Kohli came out firing on all cylinders. He brought up his half-century off 39 balls and kept the Men in Blue in hunt for the massive run-chase.

After reaching his fifty, he upped the ante. In the next 12 balls, Virat hammered 32 runs to push Australia on the backfoot. In the end, he stayed unbeaten on 82 from 51 with nine fours and two sixes. India won by six wickets and made their way into the semi-final of the 2016 World T20.