On This Day, September 8th: Virat Kohli is one of the most successful and famous cricketers in the world, known for his incredible consistency and hunger for runs. However, Kohli faced a challenging phase in his career between 2019 and 2022. Runs were not coming off Kohli’s bat and a century had become an unfulfilling dream.

Both fans and cricket experts were wondering when Kohli would score a century. Along with this, Kohli’s critics were advising him to retire. Finally, after 2 years, a turning point came in the Asia Cup Super 4 match against Afghanistan in Dubai on 8 September 2022. Kohli had shown signs of returning to form in earlier matches, but this was the match where he finally silenced his critics.

Kohli scored a century after 2 years of bad form

Kohli came in to open the innings for India, a role he doesn’t usually play in T20 internationals. India’s regular opener and captain Rohit Sharma was rested for this match. So Kohli grabbed the opportunity to take responsibility right from the start.

Not only this, he also scored his first T20I century. He scored an unbeaten 122 runs in just 61 balls which included 12 fours and 6 sixes. This innings was like a story of aggression and masterclass. Let us tell you that, Not only was it his first century in T20Is, but it was also the highest individual score by an Indian in the format at that time. Kohli’s century against Afghanistan was a clear indication of him being in top form.

Kohli has After 1020 days He scored the 71st international century of his career

The innings ended Kohli’s 1020-day wait for his 71st international hundred, a feat he last achieved in a Test match against Bangladesh in November 2019. His prolonged century drought had become a topic of discussion as he had set such high standards over the years.

This moment and century has become one of those special moments in cricket history which gives goosebumps to the audience. Meanwhile, Star Sports has now shared a montage video of Kohli’s 71st century which is going viral. Let’s see-

Star Sports special edit for Virat Kohli for his 71st century on this day 2 years ago…!!!pic.twitter.com/mf2Hzaecqo

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 8, 2024