'The King is back': Twitter erupts as Virat Kohli ends almost three years of long wait for 71st century

Virat Kohli ended his 1021 days for a century with a solid 122 not out against Afghanistan in a Super Four match of the Asia Cup 2022 in Dubai on Thursday. The 33-year-old batting star took just 53 balls in a dead rubber to reach the milestone as he ultimately took India to a gigantic total of 212/2. This was also Kohli’s maiden century in the shortest format of the game.

Opening the innings with stand-in captain KL Rahul, Kohli smashed 12 fours and half a dozen sixes during the course of his innings as India looked to end their Asia Cup campaign on a high. The Men in Blue are already out of contention for the final as they suffered back-to-back defeats, to Pakistan and Sri Lanka respectively, in the Super Four stages.

Despite India’s misfortune, Kohli has been in super form in the tournament as he scored 59 not out against Hong Kong and a 60-run innings against Pakistan (Super Four). He did get out for a duck against Sri Lanka in the last game.

Following his century, sentiments ran high throughout the nation as players and fans alike took to Twitter to express their happiness on ‘King Kohli’ return. Among the celebrations included a tweet from his close friend from South Africa in AB de Villiers among others.

@imVkohli dancing again! What a lovely sight

— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) September 8, 2022

The 71st is here!

A hundred after nearly three years for Virat Kohli #INDvAFG | #AsiaCup2022 | Scorecard: https://t.co/z8iw8dn85Q pic.twitter.com/qyp1cHiOsX

— ICC (@ICC) September 8, 2022

The great is back @imVkohli

— Hassan Ali (@RealHa55an) September 8, 2022

Maiden T20 century , so happy for you @imVkohli You totally deserved it Immense respect for such a brilliant innings #INDvAFG pic.twitter.com/H1EVC1N86A

— Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) September 8, 2022

Virat Kohli to the cricket world today #INDvAFG #AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/JHYQ6NGlzb

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) September 8, 2022

There it is! for @imVkohli

His first in T20Is and 71st in International Cricket.

Live – https://t.co/1UkuWxy3Ee #INDvAFG #AsiaCup2022 pic.twitter.com/2Yeakk1oLc

— BCCI (@BCCI) September 8, 2022

THE KING IS BACK AND HOW

KL Rahul played a fine knock of 62 at the top, but this innings was all about Virat Kohli and his out-of-the-world 1️⃣2️⃣2️⃣* off just 6️⃣1️⃣ balls

Let’s go out and defend 2️⃣1️⃣2️⃣ #INDvAFG #AsiaCup2022 pic.twitter.com/1y9clQi2Rb

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) September 8, 2022

I’d say the gorilla is off the back. What a knock and what an apt celebration after he broke the drought!! Well done @imVkohli. Amazing stuff

— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) September 8, 2022

The moment Virat Kohli silenced his critics and smashed his 71st century and also his maiden T20i hundred. pic.twitter.com/OkzRAWDzqr

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 8, 2022

Century after 1021 days! His first in T20Is. What a day for Virat Kohli and Indian cricket! More centuries to come. @imVkohli #AsiaCup2022 pic.twitter.com/WZWglIZVbu

— Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) September 8, 2022

Virat Kohli will always be a champion cricketer.

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) September 8, 2022

#ViratKohli
That’s it, that’s the tweet. pic.twitter.com/hmzUScDynx

— Kuldeep yadav (@imkuldeep18) September 8, 2022

Nothing can buy this respect.. this is what a cricker plays for. A brilliant hundred @imVkohli. We Hope we don’t have to wait so long for your 72nd century. #IndvsAFG pic.twitter.com/p65KDdOtKo

— Amit Mishra (@MishiAmit) September 8, 2022

Virat Kohli dedicates his 71st international century to his family ❤️ pic.twitter.com/eHKVQs4xgg

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) September 8, 2022

Virat Kohli’s first T20I century helps #TeamIndia set a mammoth target for Afghanistan.

Let’s finish the tournament on a high. #PlayBold #AsiaCup2022 #INDvAFG pic.twitter.com/EKCPRAh8u7

— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) September 8, 2022

Rejoice, the ‘s back! @imVkohli #INDvAFG #AsiaCup2022 #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/lB7hVOILfy

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) September 8, 2022

The 71st is finally here, long wait but worth it. What composed and powerful innings and statement from Virat Kohli. Maza aagaya! #INDvsAFG #asiacup2022 @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/4MQWG0zg00

— Rumman Raees (@rummanraees15) September 8, 2022

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