Image: Critics questioning Virat Kohli's strike rate overlooked the stability he provided / © CricTracker
For the critics questioning Virat Kohli’s form, his unbeaten 100* off 111 balls against Pakistan in Dubai was the perfect response. After a lean patch of 191 runs in his previous seven ODIs at an average of 27, Kohli walked in with India struggling at 28/1 while chasing 242. Facing Shaheen Afridi’s fiery spell and Abrar Ahmed’s spin, Kohli anchored two crucial partnerships — a 69-run stand with Shubman Gill and a century stand with Shreyas Iyer.
His fifty came off 62 balls, slower than his usual pace, but the tricky Dubai pitch under lights demanded resilience over aggression. When Iyer and Hardik Pandya fell, Kohli ensured India stayed on course. He reached his century with a boundary off Khushdil Shah, sealing India’s victory in style.
While some labeled his approach as selfish, Kohli’s innings were more about stability than personal milestones. His calm, calculated batting drained Pakistan’s belief and guided India home without collapse. The century wasn’t just about numbers but about silencing doubters and proving why an anchor is crucial in challenging chases. In the end, Kohli didn’t just win a match — he reclaimed his throne with quiet authority.