Not the tournament anyone expected for the former captain of the Indian cricket team, Virat Kohli, the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has been far from ideal. Scoring just 75 runs in seven innings, Kohli appears to be in a difficult phase. Despite his aggressive approach and evident intent, the challenging pitches of the USA and the Caribbean have not favored him. Once regarded as a maestro in T20 cricket, Kohli has been dismissed for single-digit scores five times in this tournament—a stark contrast to his performance in the previous five editions where such an event occurred only twice.
The implications of Kohli’s lean phase have been visible in India’s performance. With India struggling to get solid starts, much of the burden has fallen on the shoulders of the captain, Rohit Sharma, who currently stands as the third leading run-scorer in the tournament. However, Sharma remains unworried, maintaining that Kohli’s form is not a significant problem when considering his illustrious 15-year career in cricket.
“He’s a quality player. Any player can go through that. We do understand his class and his importance in all these big games,” Rohit asserted at a post-match presentation. “Form is never a problem because when you’ve played cricket for 15 years, it isn’t a problem. He is looking good, the intent is there. He’s probably saving for the finals.”
Supporting Rohit’s sentiment, the Indian team’s head coach Rahul Dravid also expressed optimism about Kohli’s ability to deliver when it matters most. Speaking to Star Sports following India’s semi-final victory against England, Dravid remarked, “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 really good six to set the tempo but he was just unlucky that the ball just maybe seamed a little bit more.”
Dravid further emphasized Kohli’s intent and approach, adding, “But I love the intent, I loved the way he went about doing it, sets a great example to the group as well.
. I don’t want to jinx it but I think there’s a big one coming up.”
This positive perspective from both Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid hints at a deeper understanding of Kohli’s capabilities. Both seasoned cricket professionals acknowledge the cyclical nature of form and class. Rohit’s assertion that form isn’t a concern for a player of Kohli’s caliber comes from a place of respect for the consistency and excellence that Kohli has shown over his long career. It’s about waiting for the storm to pass because they trust that Kohli has the skills and tenacity to strike back when it’s most needed.
India’s road to the finals has indeed been a challenging one. Battling through fierce competition and navigating the unyielding conditions of the West Indian and American pitches has tested the team’s mettle. Yet, the squad’s resilience, underscored by leadership figures like Rohit and Kohli, has been a cornerstone of their campaign.
In social media exchanges and post-match discussions, fans and analysts have expressed mixed feelings about Kohli’s form. While some have expressed worries, many have echoed the faith that Rohit and Dravid have shown in Kohli’s prowess. This optimism is also reflective of the immense impact that Kohli has had on Indian and global cricket, where one lean patch hardly overshadows a career filled with remarkable achievements.
As India prepares for the highly-anticipated final against South Africa, the spotlight is undoubtedly on how Kohli responds to the challenge. Given his track record and the high stakes of finals, there is a balanced anticipation and excitement about what he might bring to the game. The support from his captain and coach will undoubtedly play a crucial role in boosting Kohli’s morale.
The prevailing narrative in cricket circuits is clear: a great player is never truly out of form—it’s just a matter of time before they showcase their brilliance once again. With the final match setting the stage, the world watches with bated breath, ready for what could be the resurgence of Virat Kohli—a champion saving his best for the last.
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