Virat Kohli, Team India‘s key batsman, had a tough time in the ICC Men’s 2024 T20 World Cup group stage. Even though India effortlessly progressed to the Super 8 stage, Kohli failed to perform well in batting.
During the game against Ireland, the 35-year-old batsman was out for just one run after facing five balls, hitting a delivery towards deep third man off Mark Adair. Facing Pakistan, he was out for four, hitting a shot straight to cover point off Naseem Shah.
Kohli then suffered a golden duck against the United States, edging a ball outside off stump from Saurabh Netravalkar. After three innings in the 2024 T20 World Cup, Kohli has only managed five runs at an average of 1.66.
Despite these challenging statistics, many supporters believe Kohli can turn things around in the Super 8 round. They point out that several other star players also struggled in matches played in New York.
Team India will begin their Super 8 journey in the 2024 T20 World Cup against Afghanistan at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados on Thursday, June 20. Leading up to the match, here’s a collection of responses from different figures in the cricket world, showing their support for Kohli and their belief in his approaching return to form.
“Virat is in a really excellent space” – Matthew Hayden
Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden emphasized that Virat Kohli has faced extremely challenging conditions recently. Hayden advocated for Kohli to be given space and support, highlighting that the former India captain possesses the experience to navigate through his current circumstances.
“Virat is in a really good space, he’s had extremely tough conditions and no one would have liked that in the competition. Everyone wants to see these great champions being able to play freely and that’s going to be the case and experience counts,” Hayden told Star Sports during a discussion on the Super 8 round.
“Just leave him alone. He will show you why the Indian selectors have had faith in him at that position. And he needs to continue also to have a great strike back because clearly we’ve seen the pattern emerge here in the World Cup is that, those six overs, man you have to be in front of the game here,” Hayden added.
Kohli is the top scorer in the T20 World Cup, accumulating 1,146 runs in 28 innings at an average of 67.41 and a strike rate of 130.52, including 14 half-centuries.
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