In an unforgettable moment from the T20 World Cup 2022, India’s victory over Pakistan became a defining match for many reasons, including the brilliance of Virat Kohli and the calm presence of Ravichandran Ashwin during the tense final moments. Ashwin recently opened up about the high-pressure situation that unfolded as he faced the last over in a match that had India needing just two runs to win off the final delivery.
Recalling the intensity of the moment, Ashwin shared a conversation he had with Kohli when he walked into the crease. Kohli, who had been in sensational form, was at the height of his focus and determination, and Ashwin described him as “possessed” in that crucial period of the game. “When I walked in, Virat was possessed. Like, I just looked him in the eye. And I asked him just one question. I said, ‘Is it like gripping?’ Because I wanted to go inside out, over cover, or something,” Ashwin explained. The phrase “possessed” clearly conveyed Kohli’s remarkable intensity and his laser-sharp concentration on securing the win for India.
The match had already been set up for a dramatic finish after a scintillating knock of 82 not out from Kohli, whose batting had led the charge in chasing down a challenging target. Ashwin, who walked in to bat after Dinesh Karthik’s dismissal, was acutely aware of the weight of the moment. With India needing just two runs off the final ball, Ashwin’s calmness and focus played a pivotal role in ensuring victory.
Ashwin’s recounting of the incident shows how much Kohli’s leadership and mental strength had impacted the match. While Kohli provided Ashwin with a series of suggestions for the final delivery, the spinner trusted his own judgment and took the first ball as a wide, leveling the scores. The next delivery saw Ashwin strike the ball over mid-off for a single, clinching the win for India and securing an emotionally charged victory.
This victory against Pakistan in the high-stakes match became one of the most thrilling encounters in T20 history, not just because of the dramatic finish, but also because of the mindset exhibited by both Kohli and Ashwin. Kohli’s leadership under pressure and his ability to stay composed during the final moments made all the difference. Ashwin’s insights into that pivotal moment underscore how mental focus, along with leadership and teamwork, plays a crucial role in high-pressure cricket scenarios.
The T20 World Cup 2022 match will always be remembered for its nerve-wracking finish, and Ashwin’s reflection on Kohli’s “possessed” focus during those moments only adds to the awe of that unforgettable encounter. It was a victory that not only showcased India’s cricketing resilience but also highlighted the sheer mental strength that players like Kohli bring to the game.