Matthew Hayden the exAustralian opener has thrown his weight behind Virat Kohli expecting a strong performance in the Super 8 stage of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. Hayden believes its crucial for the media and critics to allow the Indian legend the space he needs.
The 35-year-old, who is the most prolific batter in T20 World Cup history, has not performed well in this edition. The right-handed hitter has three single-figure scores in the Group stage, with a high of four.
Matthew Hayden reminded the Star Sports Press Room that in these conditions, batters must take time to settle in and cannot just blast fours and sixes. He said:
“I said it during the IPL as well, if Kohli was going to be in the team, he needs to open. Virat at three, I don’t think we’ll get the best out of him. You can’t just turn up and blast 250 on these wickets, you need thinking cricketers.
“You look back at David Warner’s performance this World Cup – in Barbados on a sluggish wicket, he made 30-odd [39 in 16 balls vs England].”
Matthew Hayden
The 52-year-old expounded on David Warner’s explosive performance against England and hinted about Kohli doing the same:
“The way Warner came out on a pretty [tough] wicket and blew the game away, that’s what Kohli is going to be challenged with in the Caribbean. Just leave him alone. He will show you why the Indian selectors have had faith in him at that position.”
Matthew Hayden
Virat Kohli has been the leading run-getter in a single T20 World Cup edition three times and has earned Player of the Tournament thrice.
“You must be clinical in the first ten” – Matthew Hayden
At the same time, Hayden cautioned against sustaining a high strike rate, particularly in powerplay overs. He added:
“He needs to continue to have a great strike rate. We’ve clearly seen a pattern emerge here at the World Cup where those six overs [powerplay], you have to be in front of the game. It’s too hard to catch up. If you’re looking at the back-half of the game, it’s trouble. You must be clinical in the first ten.”
Matthew Hayden
India will begin their Super 8 campaign against Afghanistan on Thursday, June 20.