During the 2024 T20 World Cup, Sanjay Manjrekar stated he is not overly concerned about the batting performance of ace Team India player Virat Kohli. He emphasized how each game in the main event has produced new heroes for the Men in Blue. On Monday, June 24, in the Super 8 match between Australia and India, Kohli was removed for a five-ball duck.
Manjrekar pointed out that Rohit Sharma stepped up to deliver a brilliant 92-run knock when the previous captain was unable to get going. He also seemed quite impressed with Shivam Dube’s batting exploits as the southpaw chipped in with a 28-run contribution. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli has been out of form in the current World Cup.
Virat Kohli’s numbers aren’t good this world cup as he is opening the innings for India. Whereas he has been hitting the middle of the bat every time he walks out to bat. It is only a matter of time before he gets some runs under the belt. India requires Virat Kohli to fire in the semi-finals against England.
Virat Kohli’s For Not A Concern
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo after India’s 24-run win, Manjrekar said
“I am not concerned as long as India are finding different heroes. Today, we found Rohit Sharma. I like how Shivam Dube is also chipping in. I know towards the end his innings lost a bit of steam, but I like the fact that he was trying to play with soft hands against Josh Hazlewood. So, I see growth in all the other players and that’s what you want in a team.”
In evaluating Rohit’s explosive stroke play, Manjrekar said that the Indian skipper was more focused on giving his squad a quick start than batting for an extended period of time. The former cricket player who is now a commentator praised the captain for his unselfish demeanor, saying:
“Selfless is the greatest quality that he has as a leader. As batter, big name player, and there’s always spotlight and expectation, and he’s not worried about that, even when he wasn’t getting the big scores. He’s not out there to get a big score; he’s just out there to make sure he gives the right amount of momentum to that Indian innings.”
Rohit struck eight sixes and seven fours during his stay at the crease. His batting performance helped India register an imposing 205-run
total in the encounter. Rohit’s attacking batting can help Virat Kohli as it can take the pressure off him and he can play the anchor’s role.
Sanjay Manjrekar On Surya’s Form
Additionally, Sanjay Manjrekar discussed how some supporters had questioned Suryakumar Yadav’s ability to perform under pressure and against a top team. The 58-year-old suggested Suryakumar silenced his critics with his 16- ball 32-run knock against Australia and remarked in the same interaction. He said :
“There’s some talk and some sceptics saying is Suryakumar Yadav, that great player that he is, the 360-degree batter, on slightly tricking pitches big teams? I think he’s proven both of those facts.”
Surya Kumar Yadav’s 360 range makes it difficult for the bowlers. He added :
“One ball today by a medium pacer that was outside the off stump finished at square-leg for four. That is what Suryakumar Yadav does, and when that happens, just imagine the psyche of the bowler. Then, a bowler pitches the ball up, and on a pitch where the ball wasn’t coming as much and the pace was taken off, he hits one over long-off for a six.”
India completed an outstanding 24-run victory by holding Australia to 181/7 after 20 overs, securing their spot in the 2024 T20 World Cup semifinals. Virat Kohli will have to prove his mettle once again as it is important for the Indian team that he performs the way he has over the years.
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