All these months when I was struggling, you guys kept me going: Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli delivered one of the finest knocks that he has ever played, as he ran riot against Pakistan, picking up the pace towards the latter half of the game, helping the Men in Blue chase down 48 runs in the last 3 overs.

There was a string of impressive strikes that saw him lifting Haris Rauf gloriously over the bowler's head, which was worth mentioning for its sheer perfection. It was a signature Virat Kohli masterclass, a typical display of balance and perfection that saw the cherry flying beyond the sightscreen.

Watching Virat bat was a treat for sore eyes as he shuffled, pranced and dictated his way past Pakistan's bowlers in a supreme display of authority. He opened up at length post-match, speaking about his strategy, his emotions and most importantly the place at which he would hold his knock against Pakistan.

Talking about the calculations, Virat said, “Well, it's a surreal atmosphere. I honestly have no words. I have no idea how that happened. Hardik kept telling me, just believe we can stay till the end. I'm lost for words. Well, I think when Shaheen bowled from the Pavilion end, I told Hardik we have to take him down. The calculation was simple. Nawaz had one over to bowl, so if I could take Haris down, they would panic. It came down to 16 off 6. I'm kind of lost for words.”

He also spoke passionately about the two phenomenal strikes off Haris Rauf, saying, “It's just instinctively I saw it, told myself to stay still. The one at long-on was unexpected, it was a back-of-a-length slower ball. The fine leg one, I just threw my bat at it.”

He kept the special part of the conversation for the very end. Talking about the importance of his innings, Virat said, “Till today I said Mohali was my best T20 innings. Then I got 82 off 52, today I got 82 off 53. Both are just as special. All these months when I was struggling, you guys [the crowd] kept me going. Thank you so much."