After enjoying IPL season 17 with the bat, Virat Kohli came to the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 in a tricky position, having accumulated just 5 runs in 3 group stage games. It’s fair to say that his US leg was a debacle. The buzz is once again all around regarding the chasemaster’s form in T20 cricket, as India is all set to play their first Super Eight game against giant-killers Afghanistan on June 20.
There are many who are clearly worried, as Kohli’s form is expected to play a magnificent role, and his lack of promising performances in the first three games is causing panic among cricket fans. Some are criticizing his place, but there are many who are backing the run machine. Recently, former World Cup winner Kris Srikanth took the mic to share his views on Virat Kohli’s ongoing debacle and also expressed confidence that the star batter is going to perform wonders in the second leg of the tournament.
Leave him alone!
Speaking to Star Sports, Srikanth said, ‘Virat is the King of Kings. King of Kings, Kohli. He knows how to adjust himself. I can imagine you’re thinking, ‘Come on, you’re going to play in Barbados. The wicket is going to be much better in Barbados.’ In the first match, I think England-Australia played better, and I believe Australia scored 200 runs on that pitch.
So, in my opinion, Barbados is going to have a good wicket. Therefore, I don’t think we should worry about it. What has happened, has happened. Tomorrow, we’re playing against Afghanistan. I don’t think we should worry either. I believe there’s a player who can adjust beautifully. He will score runs and win matches for India. Guys, just leave him alone. That’s it. Just leave him alone.
‘Virat best choice for opening’ – Matthew Hayden
Apart from Srikanth assurance, there have been many other suggestions since Virat started to open. While playing in the IPL as an opener, he has performed impressively well for RCB. But now things seem to have turned around, as the performances expected from him in the World Cup are not coming. However, there have still been many who have shared various opinions on his opening role. Speaking to Star Sports, Matthew Hayden is still seen backing Virat as an opener in T20 World Cup games.
‘I was advocating at that point that if Virat was going to be in the team and needed to open, that was my statement during the IPL, where he was performing so nicely. Virat at 3, I don’t think we get the best out of him. As I mentioned before, those aren’t just ‘turn up and blast 250′ cricketers; you need thinking cricketers.’
All eyes on Super Eight
India is all set to play their first Super Eight game against Afghanistan on June 20 at Kensington Oval in Barbados, which is known to provide a balanced surface. In the match between England and Australia, Australia were able to score 200 runs, which gives us a brief idea of how well the wicket plays there. Looking at the surface, the expectations from Virat are surely going to be at their peak.
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