Asia Cup 2022: Virat Kohli is eager on placing on large performances, says Rahul Dravid forward of Pakistan conflict

India head coach Rahul Dravid on Saturday expressed his happiness with former captain Virat Kohli’s efficiency within the Asia Cup, saying he’s eager on placing on some large performances within the continental match.

Kohli, who endured a wretched run with the bat and failed to attain a century since November 2019, confirmed glimpses of returning to type in a bunch match towards Hong Kong within the Asia Cup.

Kohli scored 59 not out off 44 balls and stitched an unbeaten 98-run partnership with Suryakumar Yadav (68 not out off 26 balls) to energy India to 192/2 towards Hong Kong. In reply, Hong Kong have been restricted to 152/5 in 20 overs.

Reflecting on Kohli’s efficiency, Dravid, within the press convention, stated: “I can’t tell you what conversation I had with Virat or with any player. He played well in the previous game (against Hong Kong). Happy that he got a break and hopefully he can kick on from here.

“Virat is eager on placing on some large performances and I’m glad he did properly. The approach he performed within the final match was actually good. He got here again after one month’s break. I’m joyful for him too. For us, it’s not actually about what number of runs he makes. For us, even a small contribution is vital too when the staff is actually searching for it to win.”

Kohli returned to action at the Asia Cup after taking a break from cricket after the 2022 tour of England. He revealed that he felt “mentally down” which forced him to step away from the sport. He had scored only 76 runs across one Test match, two T20Is and two ODIs against England and, following which he missed the tours of the West Indies and Zimbabwe.

“For the primary time in 10 years, I did not contact my bat for a month. I got here to realisation that I used to be attempting to faux my depth a bit not too long ago. I used to be convincing myself that no, you had the depth. But your physique was telling you to cease. The thoughts was telling me to take a break and step again,” Kohli had said in a video shared by Star Sports.

“I’m not shy to confess that I used to be feeling mentally down. This is a really regular factor to really feel, however we do not converse as a result of we’re hesitant. We do not wish to be checked out as mentally weak. Trust me, faking to be robust is much worse than admitting to be weak.”

Kohli will subsequent be seen in motion when India tackle Pakistan within the Asia Cup Super 4 match on Sunday, September 4 in Dubai.

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