Sanjay Bangar posits that Virat Kohlis drought in Indias initial three fixtures in the 2024 T20 World Cup is no reason for alarm. He remarked that it might just be a temporary lull before the storm.
Virat Kohli scored only five runs in India’s first three Group A games, and their fourth match, against Canada in Florida on Saturday, June 15, was abandoned without a ball being thrown. Despite the opener’s lackluster performance, the Men in Blue have qualified for the Super Eights.
During a Star Sports talk, Sanjay Bangar was asked about Kohli’s poor performance.
“He has never opened for India in a T20 World Cup. It’s clear that it’s a slightly new position and considering the conditions that were there, your first mistake was your last mistake. The batters don’t get a second chance here and it has been a challenge for the top-order batters.”
“When it’s a match between two evenly matched teams, the opening batters have struggled a little for sure. I don’t think there is any cause for worry. It could be a lull before the storm.”
Sanjay Bangar
Sanjay Bangar posits that Virat Kohli’s drought in Indias initial three fixtures in the 2024 T20 World Cup is no reason for alarm. He remarked that it might just be a temporary lull before the storm.
“They have already said that they want Rishabh Pant to play at No. 3” – Sanjay Bangar on whether India should persist with Virat Kohli as opener
When asked if India should begin with Yashasvi Jaiswal and shift Virat Kohli to No. 3, Sanjay Bangar said no.
“I don’t think they should do that at this stage when they have taken a decision. I feel they might have taken the decision slightly late that they would use Virat Kohli as an opener. Now that they have decided, they won’t go back and move away from that. They have already said that they want Rishabh Pant to play at No. 3.”
Sanjay Bangar
However, the former India all-rounder believes Rohit Sharma and his team would play Kuldeep Yadav in lieu of either Arshdeep Singh or Mohammed Siraj in the Super 8 games in the West Indies.
“I definitely see one change when the matches will be played in the West Indies. Kuldeep Yadav’s return is mandatory. He has to come back for someone or the other. He might come in place of a fast bowler because Hardik Pandya is bowling well. Then one of Arshdeep and Mohammed Siraj will have to miss out and you will see the Indian team going with three spinners.”
Sanjay Bangar
In India’s first three games, Kuldeep was not in the playing XI. He might replace Siraj in the XI if the Men in Blue decide to play three spinners, with Arshdeep Singh likely to be favored because to his four-wicket haul against the USA and the left-arm angle he offers.