In a do-or-die situation at the 2016 T20 World Cup in Mohali, Virat Kohli produced a splendid, unbeaten 82, earning him the moniker "King of Chase". This masterclass not only propelled India into the semi-finals but also knocked Australia out of the tournament.
Chasing a target of 161, India faced a sluggish start, with openers Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma contributing just 25 runs collectively. Suresh Raina's departure in the eighth over further compounded the pressure. With the required run rate climbing, much depended on Kohli, especially with an injured Yuvraj Singh at the other end. Kohli and Yuvraj managed a valuable 45-run partnership, but the pressure of not losing a wicket slowed the scoring rate.
With 67 runs needed off the last six overs, the odds seemed stacked against India. However, the presence of Kohli and MS Dhoni at the crease kept the hope alive. The equation further tightened, with India needing 39 off the last three overs.
The turning point arrived when Kohli took on James Faulkner, a death-overs specialist. A pull, a square drive, and a lofted drive over long-off saw Kohli plunder 14 runs from Faulkner's over. The assault continued against Nathan Coulter-Nile, with Kohli unleashing four boundaries in quick succession. Suddenly, the equation was down to just 4 runs needed off the final over, an unimaginable scenario just a few overs prior. Dhoni sealed the victory with a loft over mid-on for a boundary.
Kohli's innings was a blend of skill, determination, and calculated aggression. His ability to find boundaries while running hard between the wickets showcased his fitness and mental fortitude. Moreover, his shot placement was impeccable, frustrating the Australian bowlers.
The Australians had no answers to Kohli's brilliance, with their bowlers unable to contain him. His performance in Mohali was a testament to his ability to thrive under pressure and his penchant for taking on challenges. With 47 needed off the last four overs, Australia looked the favourites, before Kohli ripped into James Faulkner and Nathan Coulter-Nile. The pair leaked a combined 35 off two overs, ending on 82 off 51 balls and, incredibly, getting India home with five balls to spare.
Kohli's 82* in Mohali remains etched in the memories of cricket fans as one of his finest T20 innings. It was a knock that not only won India a crucial match but also solidified his reputation as a chase master.
