Former Indian cricketer and now head coach Gautam Gambhir has hailed Virat Kohli’s iconic knock of 183 against Pakistan in the 2012 Asia Cup as the best ODI innings he has ever seen from an Indian player.
The match, held in Dhaka, remains one of the most unforgettable moments in Indian cricket, where Kohli’s heroics helped India chase down Pakistan’s daunting target of 330 with ease.
Gambhir, in a recent interaction with Kohli during a video shared by the BCCI, praised the significance of this innings, particularly because of the quality of the opposition and the high-pressure situation.
India, having lost their previous match against Bangladesh, found themselves in a must-win situation against arch-rivals Pakistan. The situation became even more precarious when India lost Gambhir for a two-ball duck and Sachin Tendulkar soon after his fifty.
Facing a formidable Pakistani bowling attack comprising Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal, and Mohammad Hafeez, Kohli’s 183 off 148 balls was a masterclass in shot selection, pacing, and pressure handling. He dispatched the bowlers all around the ground, racking up 22 fours and 2 sixes in a flawless display of batting.
Kohli’s partnership of 172 runs with Rohit Sharma was pivotal in turning the match in India’s favor, leading to a memorable six-wicket victory. This innings not only showcased Kohli’s immense talent but also solidified his reputation as a reliable match-winner in high-pressure chases.
Reflecting on this innings, Gambhir remarked, “It is the best inning I have seen because of the quality of the opposition and the quality of attack, the conditions, chasing 300-plus against Pakistan.” His praise underscores the lasting impact of Kohli’s knock, which set the benchmark for future generations of Indian cricketers.
With Gambhir now taking on a leadership role in Indian cricket, he will be hoping for more such memorable performances from Kohli, especially with the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh set to begin in Chennai.
