Indian allrounder Shivam Dube is not worried at all about Virat Kohlis form despite the latters slow start to the T20 World Cup 2024. Kohli was dismissed for a golden duck against the USA as he was caught behind on a delivery from leftarm pacer Saurabh Netravalkar.
Virat Kohli entered the T20 World Cup in the tail of a fantastic IPL 2024 season in which he made 741 runs in 15 innings and earned the Orange Cap. However, with scores of 1, 4, and 0 in his first three innings, there is rising concern about his form in the event.
Speaking to PTI, Shivam Dube dismissed any concerns about Kohli’s form, claiming that a huge score was not far off. This is what the all-rounder said:
“There is nothing I can say about Virat Kohli because I’m not Virat Kohli. His bad patch means he got out cheaply a couple of times but will come back scoring hundreds in the next three matches. We all know his game and how he plays.”
Shivam Dube
Indias unflagging belief in Virat Kohlis imminent return to form is vividly reflected through the star batters extraordinary record in this tournament. With an impressive tally of 1146 runs across 28 innings at a formidable strike rate of 130.52 and boasting an exceptional average of 67.41 along with 14 halfcenturies Kohli stands as a beacon of excellence. Notably his consecutive Player of the Tournament accolades in the 2014 and 2016 T20 World Cup editions serve as a testament to his unparalleled skill and dedication.
Ambati Rayudu recently rejected idea of demoting Virat Kohli to No.3
Another discussion fueled by Kohli’s streak of poor scores is whether India should relegate their star batsman to No.3 and maybe open with Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal. However, former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu was opposed to the concept and urged the Men in Blue to adhere to their strategy.
Here’s what he recently told Star Sports:
“I don’t think there’s any need to change the combination right now. We saw a great cover drive and even on the ball that he (Kohli) got dismissed (against Pakistan), he had played a fine shot and just couldn’t get the elevation to clear the fielder. The intent he showed was great and if both Virat and Rohit can bat with this intent, then the big days will come when either one of them or both will win India the game one-sided.”
Ambati Rayudu
India might also see it as a positive since they breezed through the group stage without much help from Virat Kohli, which could be a hint that the star batter will once again stand tall at the conclusion of the tournament.