Virat Kohli is going through a lean patch in the ongoing T20 World Cup. He has scored only 75 runs across 7 innings in this edition of the mega event. Virat Kohli‘s poor form has also seen him registering two ducks. Thursday’s semi-final against England was no exception for Virat Kohli as he failed with a run-a-ball 9, losing his wicket to Reece Topley in the third over of India’s innings.
Team India advanced to the final of the T20 World Cup after 10 years. The Rohit Sharma-led side registered a commanding 68-run win over England in the second semi-final match at Providence Stadium, Guyana on Thursday. The 2007 champions thus set up a summit clash with South Africa, who outplayed Afghanistan by 9 wickets in the first semi-final.
Virat Kohli finding his groove slowly in T20 World Cup 2024
Virat Kohli is having his worst campaign in the history of the T20 World Cup, having scored just 75 runs from seven innings at an average of 13.20 and a strike rate of 108.19. The 35-year-old started the tournament with just five runs from the first three innings but has finally found some form with scores of 24 (24) and 37 (28) against Afghanistan and Bangladesh respectively.
The most prolific batter in the history of the tournament and two-time Player of the Tournament winner (2014 and 2016), will be eager to notch up a big score in the upcoming clash against Australia as India prepare to knock out their nemesis from the tournament.
The star Indian batting duo Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for their aggressive intent during the Super 8 fixture against Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup 2024. The duo got India off to a brisk start by adding 39 runs for the first wicket off 22 balls. Rohit scored 23 (11) with the help of three fours and a six, while Kohli registered his highest score of the tournament so far, scoring 37 (28) with the help of one four and three sixes.
The Indian skipper got into the groove after facing just three balls in his innings as he collected back-to-back boundaries on the next two balls. On the other hand, Kohli also launched Shakib al Hasan for a maximum after facing just three balls in his innings. Post this Virat Kohli has failed in two innings vs Australia and in semi finals vs England.
In Guyana, Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav played crucial knocks as India posted a total of 171 for 7 in 20 overs after being invited to bat. India were 40 for 2 in 5.2 overs before Rohit and Suryakumar stitched a solid 73-run stand to bail the side out of trouble. Rohit fell for 57 off 39 while Suryakumar hit 47 off 36. In the second innings, Axar Patel then dented England’s chase with figures of 3 for 23 while Kuldeep Yadav also picked 3 for 19.
Despite his lackluster form with the bat , Indian ace batter Virat Kohli has all the backing from his skipper Rohit Sharma who believes that he will come good in an all important finals. Former English cricketer Monty Panesar has gone a step ahead to predict a century from Virat Kohli in T20I finals.
Monty Panesar makes bold claim on Virat Kohli ahead of IND vs SA T20 World Cup final
Former England left-arm spinner Monty Panesar has backed star Indian batter Virat Kohli to score a hundred in the T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa. Panesar also believes the Men in Blue will pip the Proteas to the title in Barbados on Saturday, June 29.
Kohli has hit a rough patch in the T20 World Cup, with just 75 runs from seven innings at an average of 10.71. He scored a run-a-ball nine against England in the semifinal.
Here’s what Monty Panesar had to say to ANI:
“India will win the T20 World Cup final, and Virat Kohli will score 100.”
Kohli smashed a brilliant six over mid-wicket off Reece Topley in the semifinal. However, soon after, he tried a similar shot and the low bounce on the Guyana wicket saw the ball hit his leg stump.
Rohit Sharma isn’t worried about Virat Kohli’s returns
Indian captain Rohit Sharma had no concerns whatsoever with Virat Kohli’s form going into the final. He explained how Kohli’s ability to rise in the big games is keeping the team hopeful about the former captain coming good in the final against South Africa.
Here’s what Rohit said in the post-match presentation after the win over England:
“He (Kohli) is a quality player. Any player can go through that. We do understand his class, and we do understand his importance in all these big games. Form is never a problem. When you’ve played cricket for 15 years, form is never a problem. He’s looking good, the intent is there, and he’s probably saving for the final.
“Absolutely (backing Kohli for the final).”
A fine 58 from Rohit Sharma helped India score 171/7 in their 20 overs in the semifinal. In reply, England couldn’t get any momentum into their innings as they were bundled out for just 103 in 16.4 overs.