Ahead of their high-stakes T20 World Cup Super Eights encounter against Bangladesh, India received a vote of confidence from West Indies great Brian Lara. Despite a shaky start to the tournament from their opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Lara expects them to explode against Bangladesh and propel India towards a commanding victory.
India Eyeing Top Spot in Super Eights with Win Over Bangladesh
India currently sits comfortably in second place of Group 1 in the Super Eights stage, having secured a win against Afghanistan. On the other hand, Bangladesh finds themselves in a precarious position at the bottom of the table after a loss to Australia. A victory for India would almost certainly guarantee their place in the semi-finals, while Bangladesh desperately needs a win to stay in contention.
Lara Expects Rohit-Kohli Partnership to Dominate Bangladesh Bowling Attack
While both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli haven’t fired on all cylinders so far in the tournament, Lara remains confident in their abilities. He predicts a dominant display from the experienced duo, even suggesting India will reach 100 runs without losing a wicket if they bat first.
“India is going to be 100 without loss in that match if they bat first, right? And even if they bat second, they are going to be 100 without loss,” Lara said in a Star Sports interview.
While acknowledging the threat posed by Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman, Lara believes India’s batting firepower will ultimately prevail. “Of course, Fizz (Mustafizur) is an amazing bowler. He is going to come out and threaten but I just feel that India is just too much,” he added.
Lara: Rohit-Kohli Hold Key to India’s Success in Knockout Stages
Lara emphasised the importance of a strong opening partnership for India’s chances in the knockout stages. He downplayed concerns about Rohit and Kohli’s recent form, highlighting their status as two of the best T20 openers globally.
“I think it (Rohit-Virat pair) is going to give India that impetus that is needed going into the back end of the tournament of the semi-finals and the finals. So, this match, I think that those two great players, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are going to come to the fore,” Lara stated.
A Balanced World Cup with Open Race for the Trophy
Lara also observed the unique dynamic of the ongoing tournament, where bowlers have largely held the upper hand due to the nature of the pitches. He believes a strong opening partnership from Rohit and Kohli can be the game-changer for India, propelling them towards a potential World Cup title.
“This World Cup is a World Cup where no team is very dominant because of the state of the pitches. But if India can solve the opening problem, and it is not a problem, it is the two best T20 players in the world, they are not going to run right now,” Lara concluded.
With all eyes on the opening pair, the upcoming match against Bangladesh will be a crucial test for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Can they silence their critics and deliver a match-winning performance, as Brian Lara predicts? The answer will unfold when India takes on Bangladesh at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua.
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