Before the Asia Cup, Manjrekar talks about Kohli's career-defining ODI performance for India
Run-machine Virat Kohli, India's go-to player on major stages, is anticipated to be crucial in helping India win the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka. In the forthcoming edition of the continental event, the team led by Virat Kohli will take on Sri Lanka and Pakistan before Rohit Sharma's team launches their title defence at home in the ICC World Cup 2023. Last year, Team India's performance at the Asia Cup under Rohit's direction was forgettable.During the same competition, Kohli found form and ended his century drought against Afghanistan. The former captain emerged as India's best run-scorer in the Asia Cup 2022. The talismanic Indian hitter then went on to hit a blinder for Rohit's Team India against archrivals Pakistan in the T20 World Cup. With India poised to face Pakistan in its Asia Cup 2023 opener later this week, the in-form batter will bear the majority of the burden in the high-stakes match.Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar discussed Kohli's role for the Asia Cup, explaining why the ex-Indian skipper is crucial to Team India in the 50-over format. In an interview with Star Sports ahead of the Asia Cup, Manjrekar stated that he expects Kohli to have a strong World Cup campaign. "A fantastic player who has had an incredible journey." However, people change, players change, and talents evolve. At this point, you can see Rohit Sharma's best skill and influence in Test cricket. "I believe Virat will have a fantastic World Cup," Manjrekar added.13 One Day Internationals (ODIs) between Pakistan and Kohli have been played. Kohli has scored 536 runs in the Indo-Pak matches at an average of 48.73. The 34-year-old also scored 183 against Pakistan, his highest ODI total to date. In one-day internationals, Kohli had a strike rate of over 100 (96.2) against Babar Azam's Pakistan team. India, under by Virat Kohli, will play co-hosts of the Asia Cup Pakistan on Saturday."Given his present level of play, 50 overs would seem to be the ideal format for him. He has frequently represented India on the world stage. You become enthused about a lot of new and developing players. On a big night, however, we need a guy who has already done it. Virat becomes really valuable for India at that point, Manjrekar continued.