Rahul Dravid the revered head coach of Team India confidently anticipated a stellar performance from the seasoned batter Virat Kohli during the 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa in Barbados on June 29. Following an outstanding season in IPL 2024 the 35yearold was poised to deliver exceptional matchwinning displays in the ongoing T20 World Cup.
However, Virat Kohli has had a dismal tournament, hitting only 75 runs at an average of 10.71 and a strike rate of 100 in seven games. Despite his problems, India has stayed unbeaten in the campaign, winning all seven games heading into the summit battle.
Speaking to Star Sports following their overwhelming win over England in the semi-finals, Dravid praised Kohli’s aim and believes he deserves a huge score in the final.
“I love the intent, I love the way he went about doing it,” Dravid said. “It sets a good example for the group as well if he’s willing to do it. And you know, for some reason, I don’t want to jinx it but I think there’s a big one coming up. I’m just loving his attitude and that he’s committing himself on the field – I think he deserves it.”
Rahul Dravid
Virat Kohli unparalleled impact in the world of T20Is remains evident despite his struggles in the current World Cup campaign. Surprisingly even amidst this prestigious event the distinguished batsman has encountered two ducks and five singledigit scores across his seven innings this season.
“He was just unlucky that the ball seemed a little bit more” – Rahul Dravid on Virat Kohli’s dismissal vs England
Rahul Dravid believes Virat Kohli was unlucky to get out in the semi-final against England after hammering a brilliant six just a few deliveries before.
The elegant batsman was on one from six balls when he casually stroked a maximum over deep midwicket off Reece Topley. However, Kohli attempted another hoick down the leg side, only to be caught two balls later.
“You know with Virat, the thing is, when you play a slightly high-risk brand of cricket there can be times when it doesn’t come off. Even today, I thought he hit a good 6 to set the tempo but he was just unlucky that the ball seemed a little bit more.”
Rahul Dravid
Virat Kohli was India’s best scorer in the last T20 World Cup final against Sri Lanka in 2014, scoring 77 off 58 balls. Even though he is currently having one of his poorest T20I runs, the experienced batsman has an impressive 57.90 average in 34 T20 World Cup appearances.