Virat Kohli is currently grappling with a significant dip in form at the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024, where he has managed only 75 runs in seven innings, with a notable contribution of 37 against Bangladesh. However, India legend and former captain Saurav Ganguly had come in defence for the India icon as men-in-blue prepare for the IND vs SA T20 World Cup 2024 Final.
Partnering with captain Rohit Sharma as India’s designated opener in the T20I showcase, Virat Kohli‘s struggles have sparked discussions about his role, especially with promising batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal waiting in the wings. This downturn comes on the heels of an exceptional IPL 2024 season, where he clinched the Orange Cap after scoring over 700 runs.
Sourav Ganguly defends Virat Kohli ahead of IND vs SA
Sourav Ganguly, staunchly defended Kohli’s position, dismissing any notion that he should be replaced as opener. Ganguly pointed out Kohli’s recent stellar performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he amassed 700 runs, emphasizing that even great players experience periods of low form.
“Virat should continue to open. He just had a World Cup where he scored over 700 runs seven months ago. He is human. Sometimes, he will also fail, and you have to accept it,” Ganguly affirmed, as reported by news agency PTI.
Ganguly drew parallels with other Indian cricket icons like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid to underscore his support for Kohli. “Players like Kohli, Tendulkar, Dravid, they are pillars of Indian cricket. A few matches of low scores don’t diminish their greatness. Don’t write him off in the final tomorrow,” Ganguly added.
Rohit Sharma confident of Virat Kohli’s form
In the semi-final against England, Kohli’s struggle continued as he managed just 9 runs off as many balls before being dismissed by Reece Topley. Despite this, India’s captain Rohit Sharma expressed full confidence in Kohli’s ability to bounce back in the final against South Africa.
“He (Kohli) is a quality player. Every player faces ups and downs in their career. We understand his class and his importance in big games. Form is temporary. When you have played cricket for 15 years, form is not a concern,” Rohit reassured, hinting at Kohli’s focused approach for the final.
As India prepare for the final showdown, all eyes will be on Kohli to deliver a match-winning performance and silence any doubts about his current form.
