What was Kohli’s contribution in CWC 2011 final?

Conversations around the World Cup final in 2011 between India and Sri Lanka in the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on April 2nd 2011, often revolve over whether wicket keeper Dhoni should have gotten the credit for the victory or batsman Gautham Gambhir. Certain other crucial performances get subdued in this process. Zaheer’s Khan tight spell in the first ten overs that set the tone of the Sri Lankan innings by not letting the openers unleash and Yuvraj’s controlled lengths that performed a similar task in the middle overs along with a stride innings under pressure after Gambhir’s dismissal remain some of them. 

Kohli too played his role in India’s victory. India had lost two both the openers to Lasith Malinga within 7 overs of its chase. At that moment Kohli entered the crease, Sri Lanka were in a commanding position in the game. Gambhir and Kohli stitched an 83-run partnership to make the game more evenly poised. Kohli had scored a 49-ball 35 when the team required a composed innings from him. A fantastic diving catch by Dilshan saw his end. A margin of inches might have resulted in a different story for the world cup triumph. 

12 years and 7 months later, the two teams face off in the same stadium. Kohli is still a crucial part of the Indian batting line up. He averages more than 50 in the Wankhede stadium and against Sri Lanka as well. The anticipation of fans for his performance remains as high as ever.