1, 4 & 0: The highest run-scorer of T20 World Cup 2022, Virat Kohli has hit a rut. Even though Kohli was portrayed as the face of world cricket in New York debut, the King returned disastrous numbers at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium. But despite his poor form, he will retain his slot as the opener in India vs Canada clash. And that means, Yashasvi Jaiswal will continue to warm the bench in IND vs CAN, the last match in the USA for the India Cricket Team.
What’s ailing Virat Kohli?
Despite setting the IPL 2024 on fire, Kohli has only scored just 5 runs, playing a combined 9 deliveries in three matches so far. That he has yet to hit double digits should be a concern for Team India going into the Super 8. But what’s ailing King Kohli?
One of the reasons why Virat Kohli has flopped so far is the nightmarish New York pitch. It gave batters no breathing room with the highest total in New York being only 137 that Canada scored against Ireland.
Having arrived in New York only on May 31, a day before the IND vs BAN warm-up clash, he had no practice on the New York wicket. And that he lasted only 9 deliveries in the tournament did not help his cause either. Kohli could never settle against the uneven bounce and swing on offer after playing on a batting heaven like Bengaluru during IPL 2024.
Virat Kohli in T20 World Cup 2024
- 1 off 5 vs Ireland
- 4 off 3 vs Pakistan
- 0 off 1 vs USA
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Kohli had to fight jet lag having arrived late and also the demons of New York pitch. And so far, he has not cracked the code. But now, he heads to Florida, where his records are not great either.
In three innings in Lauderhill, Virat Kohli has averaged 21.00, scoring just 63 runs. And the last time he played in Florida was back in 2019. However, as IND vs CAN T20 World Cup clash will be the only chance for Kohli to get some match practice, it is likely that he will keep the opening slot before India take on big teams in Super 8.
No place for Yashasvi Jaiswal
With Kohli set to retain his place, Yashasvi Jaiswal will have to wait. He will remain the backup opener for no fault of his own.
In the two innings he has played in Florida, Jaiswal has scored 89 runs including an entertaining 84 not out against West Indies on his last tour. However, that won’t matter for now as IND vs CAN will be more or less a warm-up for Rohit Sharma & Co ahead of the Super 8 clash. That’s where the priority will be Virat Kohli.
However, things could change in the Caribbean where Yashasvi Jaiswal made his India debut. If Kohli fires blank once again, Rohit Sharma & Rahul Dravid would be tempted to give Jaiswal a go in Super 8 with Kohli dripping down to No 3. In that case, India might have to sacrifice Shivam Dube.
In the Caribbean, Yashasvi Jaiswal averages 88.66 in Tests, even though he failed in only T20I innings.
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