Sunil Gavaskar the former Indian opener wholeheartedly supports Virat Kohli the star batter amidst Kohlis lackluster form in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Kohli has mustered a mere five runs in three innings yielding a dismal average of 1.66 and a strike rate of 55.55.
In his most recent match against the USA the champion batter was sent back for a golden duck. Despite Team Indias triumph in all three tournament matches securing a spot in the Super Eights the persistent lack of form from Virat Kohli at the beginning of the innings raises concerns.
Sunil Gavaskar, speaking to Star Sports after the India-USA match, predicted that Kohli will soon come into his own.
“When you get three low scores, it doesn’t mean he is not batting well. Sometimes you get good deliveries. Any other day, the ball would’ve gone wide or over the slip for a boundary, today it didn’t. So, there’s nothing to worry about. We have to show faith in him. Much believe that he is going to come good, sooner rather than later.”
Sunil Gavaskar
Virat Kohlis exceptional cricketing journey unfolds with him leading the charts as the most prolific runscorer in T20 World Cup history tallying an impressive 1146 runs in 30 matches. With a remarkable average of 67.41 and a striking strike rate of 130.52 Kohlis impact on the field is truly monumental.
“He has done so well for India over the years and won so many games” – Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar evoked memories of Kohli’s spectacular performances and advised the star batsman to exhibit patience and have unwavering belief in his abilities.
The 35-year-old enters the present T20 World Cup after a successful IPL 2024 season. Kohli won the Orange Cap with 741 runs, an average of 61.75, and a strike rate of almost 155 in 15 games.
“The biggest motivation for any players is to win matches, especially when you are playing for your country. He has done so well for India over the years and won so many games. I think he recognises that. We are in the early phases of the tournament. There’s Super 8s, semi-finals, and hopefully the final. All he needs to do is show patience and faith in himself, which i think he has plenty.”
Sunil Gavaskar
Despite Kohli’s troubles, Team India leads Group A with a hat-trick of victories, advancing to the next level.
On Saturday, June 15, they will play a meaningless match against Canada in Florida to conclude their group stage.