Aakash Chopra draws unique analogy to explain Virat Kohli’s role in T20Is, compares him to a lion

After a 14-month absence, Virat Kohli made a triumphant return to India’s T20I side, playing an impactful innings in the 2nd T20I vs Afghanistan in Indore. Though his score of 29 might not seem significant, his knock resonated with the modern, aggressive style of T20 cricket. The innings served as a strong reminder of Kohli’s prowess and there is no doubt that his presence will bolster India’s batting lineup in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

However, the air around Virat Kohli‘s role at the number 3 spot crackles with debate. Will he reprise his familiar role as the anchor of the innings, providing stability and guiding the team, or will the management entrust him with a new, more aggressive approach? Kohli’s recent comeback knock hinted at a potential shift, but one innings cannot be the criteria for evaluation.

“You are always sacred when Virat Kohli is at the crease” – Aakash Copra on Virat Kohli

Aakash Chopra, the former Indian opener turned commentator, remains unfazed by the debate surrounding Virat Kohli’s specific role at number 3. He highlights Kohli’s adaptability as his key strength, praising his ability to seamlessly shift gears and adjust his batting style to any given situation. Whether it’s anchoring an innings or unleashing an aggressive onslaught, Chopra believes Kohli possesses the versatility to excel in any scenario.

Drawing an apt analogy, Chopra likens Kohli’s impact on the team to a lion prowling the jungle. Just as the predator’s mere presence instils fear and caution in its prey, Kohli’s inclusion sends shivers down the opposition’s spine. His reputation and skill command respect, forcing opponents to tread carefully and devise specific strategies to counter his threat. This psychological edge, Chopra feels, plays a crucial role in India’s success.

“Kohli has all types of gears. He can play fast or slow. He can play at a run-a-ball as well. Kohli is at his best when he stays for a long time. You feel scared going into a jungle because a lion is there. It’s not mandatory that the lion will eat you whenever you enter a jungle but the knowledge of the lion being there scares you. Virat Kohli is that lion. You are always scared when Virat Kohli is at the crease,” Chopra said in a video that he uploaded on his YouTube channel.

Anticipating slower pitches in the West Indies and USA, Chopra emphasizes the criticality of Kohli’s role at number 3. He envisions Kohli playing the anchor initially, similar to his match-winning innings against Pakistan at the MCG, before unleashing his aggressive side and accelerating the scoring rate later in the innings. This approach, according to Chopra, will be vital for navigating the slower surfaces and ensuring India’s batting success in the upcoming World Cup.

“The lion needs to be there on the pitch, especially on those pitches where totals will be between 160 and 180. 220 won’t be scored there. So you expect Virat Kohli to stand there and accelerate later. The knock which was called the innings of the century, the Pakistan one, there also you will find that he was going at slightly higher than a run-a-ball. He accelerated in the end and won India the game. If Virat goes ultra-aggressive, consistency could be a casualty, and that’s not what you want,” he said.