'Kohli Peaked Too Early In Last Year's T20 World Cup': England Legend

image-lnh1is4yVirat Kohli in action [Twitter]

Virat Kohli may have garnered widespread praise for his inspirational comeback and campaign at the men's T20 World Cup 2022. However, former England left-arm spinner Monty Panesar believes the great Indian batter "peaked too early" during the competition in Australia. 

Kohli produced an epic knock of 82 not out off 53 balls in India's magnificent victory over Pakistan at the MCG and went on to become the tournament's highest run-getter with 296 runs in just six innings with three other half-centuries made in fixtures versus Netherlands, Bangladesh and England. 

The innings of 50 off 40 in the semifinal at Adelaide had been criticised in certain corners for its tempo in the first half of the Indian innings. But overall, Kohli's string of performances Down Under had warmed the hearts of billions, especially with the ever-lasting memory of the Pakistan knock and the perfect finish by the right-hander.


Monty Panesar's Staggering Take On Virat Kohli 

Panesar, though, believes Kohli produced his best way too early in the campaign and should learn the lesson from India's painstaking exit from the tournament last year by trying to reserve his most prolific and impactful innings for the knock-outs stage of the ICC World Cup 2023. 

Speaking to PTI ahead of India's opening game at the 50-over spectacle in Chennai versus Australia, Panesar said he would love to see Kohli come up with a century at the "right time" and save a knock like the one played against Pakistan for the knock-out stage of the ten-team competition. 

"I like to see Kohli peaks at the right time. He peaked too early in last year's T20 World Cup. I think he peaked too early during the group stages. He played an innings that was worthy of a final against Pakistan (in the group match). This time I hope he saves it for the final or for the semifinal," Panesar said. 

"His presence is going to be absolutely huge for this Indian team. Virat Kohli will be setting the trend when it comes to batting -- the intensity, running. He senses a moment on the field. He grabs the whole team and tells -– this is the winning moment, and let's grab it," he added.

Kohli, will be next seen in action against Australia in the World Cup 2023 match in Chennai on October 8.