(Credit BCCI)
Virat Kohli’s disappointing performance with the bat in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024 has been a significant talking point. Despite his exceptional form in the recent Indian Premier League, where he emerged as the highest run-scorer with 741 runs including a century and five half-centuries, Kohli has failed to meet expectations in the World Cup.
Anticipated to continue his IPL success, Kohli was elevated to an opening position for the tournament. However, he has struggled to deliver as anticipated. During the group stage, he failed to reach double figures in three matches, managing only 5 runs in total. Against Ireland and Pakistan, he scored just 1 and 5 runs respectively, and suffered a duck against the USA. His form in the Super 8 stage has also been underwhelming.
In subsequent matches, Kohli recorded scores of 24 and 37 against Afghanistan and Bangladesh, but his performances did not reflect his usual high standards. His most disappointing outing came against Australia in the Super 8, where he was dismissed without scoring a run.
Overall, Kohli’s inability to replicate his IPL success has been a major setback for the Indian team, considering the high expectations placed on him as a key player and an opener in the T20 World Cup.
Dinesh Karthik – Virat Kohli will come good
Amid discussions about Virat Kohli’s struggles as an opener in the current ICC T20 World Cup, there have been suggestions to shift him back to his traditional batting position at number three. However, former India cricketer Dinesh Karthik has voiced a differing viewpoint.
Responding to a fan query regarding Kohli’s potential move to number three, Karthik expressed his belief that Kohli’s batting order should remain unchanged. He emphasized that Kohli is currently displaying strong intent in his batting and expressed confidence that he will soon rediscover his form. Karthik also advocated for maintaining the current structure of the Indian team without making alterations at this juncture.
“No, no, no. Patience, patience. He is batting with the utmost intent that any opener can have. Nothing should change about this Indian team. They are doing perfectly in terms of batting order, how they have used their resources. Virat Kohli will come good, I can tell you. Don’t worry. He’s Virat Kohli,” said Dinesh Karthik in a video posted by Cricbuzz.
In the meantime, India has secured their place in the semifinals with an impeccable record in the tournament thus far. Their next challenge awaits against defending champions England in the semifinal scheduled for Thursday, June 26th.
