Virat Kholi has climbed into the No. 9 spot in the ICC T20I rankings for batsmen after his unbroken 82-run streak helped India secure a win against Pakistan.

Kohli has jumped six places, going from No 15. to No. 9, making him one of the Top 10 ICC T20I batsmen in the world. 

Just this year, the Indian cricketer was sitting at the No 35 spot in August, prior to the Asia Cup. Before this year’s version of the Asia Cup, King Kohli had been struggling for runs. In fact, since 2019 he had drawn sharp criticism from his countrymen for being off his form, given that he hasn’t managed to score a century in these past few years. 

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But a month-long sabbatical proved to be just the boost he needed. With skip in his step, a rejuvenated Kohli came back swinging.

He ended his three-year dry streak to make his 71st international century at the Asia Cup while also taking coming home as the second-highest run-scorer at the tournament. His performance in India’s opening match at the ICC Men’s T20I World Cup was nothing short of spectacular.

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Even as India captain Rohit Sharma decided to bowl first, Kohli nearly managed to get a wicket via runout. With India chasing 160 runs and the top order falling quickly to Pakistan’s bowlers, Kohli persevered. As the match came down to the final few balls, he managed not only to keep his cool but also help India win the match. 

His performance as a batsmen was breathtaking and, in his own words, the “best ever” innings of his life. India’s opening game at the ICC Men’s T20I World Cup was due in no small part to King Kohli. 

Just over the course of two tournaments, Kohli has managed to climb twenty six spots in the rankings, since August.