(AP Photo)
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra commended Virat Kohli for his stellar batting display in the T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match against Bangladesh. Chopra noted Kohli’s return to top form, describing his batting as reminiscent of his best days, setting a promising tone ahead of the semifinals.
India secured a commanding 50-run victory in their second Super 8 encounter in Antigua on Saturday, June 22. Despite losing the toss, India posted a formidable total of 196 runs. The bowlers then excelled, restricting Bangladesh to 146 runs in their allotted 20 overs, significantly enhancing India’s prospects for reaching the tournament’s semifinals.
Virat Kohli showcased an aggressive innings, scoring 37 runs off 28 deliveries, including one boundary and three sixes. Hardik Pandya led India’s batting charge with a brisk 50 off 27 balls. Contributions from Rishabh Pant (36 off 24) and Shivam Dube (34 off 24) further bolstered India’s strong performance with the bat in the match.
Aakash Chopra says The Batting Was Incredible
Aakash Chopra, in a recent YouTube video, praised Rohit Sharma’s aggressive batting style across white-ball formats. Chopra noted that Rohit’s approach, though aggressive, led to his dismissal. He also highlighted Virat Kohli’s return to form in India’s latest match.
“The batting was incredible. Rohit Sharma started first and that has become his template. He has decided that if the tournament’s name is World Cup, whether it’s T20 or ODI, he will start destructively and score runs as quickly as possible. Two shots and then the third shot went straight up in the air and he got out and went,” Chopra said.
“However, he went after setting the template – the captain leading by example. Virat Kohli was at the other end. He said whatever has happened is past, he hit three sixes in this match and only one four. He even hit a no-look shot. He was looking as good as gold. So Kohli’s Virat form was finally seen,” he added.
Rohit Sharma made a quickfire 23 runs off just 11 deliveries, which included three boundaries and a six. Opening alongside Virat Kohli, the pair put together a brisk 39-run partnership in 3.4 overs. After Rohit’s departure, Kohli took charge with an aggressive approach, forging a 32-run partnership with Rishabh Pant for the second wicket.
Aakash Chopra said Tanzim Hasan Sakib Is A Very Decent Bowler
Aakash Chopra, the former cricketer turned commentator, praised Tanzim Hasan Sakib as a skilled bowler. Chopra highlighted that Tanzim Hasan caused problems for India by taking crucial wickets of Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav.
“However, then he (Kohli) got out. If you talk about Tanzim, he is a very decent bowler. He bowled a sort of off-cutter and dismissed Virat Kohli. After that, Suryakumar Yadav hit a six off a bouncer off the first ball but then he too got out immediately due to extra bounce, and India were seen slightly struggling,” Chopra further added.
Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, the team will conclude their Super 8 campaign with a match against Australia at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St Lucia on Monday, June 24th. The Indian team aims to extend their winning run ahead of the semifinals in this prestigious tournament.
