Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has expressed his frustration over the excessive focus on Virat Kohli’s form in the ongoing T20 World Cup, stating that it detracts from the Indian team’s overall performance. Despite India’s unbeaten run in the tournament, discussions have centered more on Kohli’s struggles at the crease rather than the team’s collective achievements.
Virat Kohli’s Rough Patch
Promoted to opener, Kohli has struggled to find his rhythm, with his highest score being a modest 24 against Afghanistan. In the group stage, he registered three consecutive single-digit scores—1, 4, and 0. This performance has led to widespread scrutiny, overshadowing India’s success in the tournament.
“Kohli, the top run-getter in T20 World Cup history, was expected to replicate his IPL form, but it hasn’t worked out for him so far,” noted Manjrekar. He called for a shift in focus, urging fans and analysts to pay more attention to the team’s performance. “We need to think more about Indian cricket and less about whether Virat Kohli is in form or not,” he said on ESPNCricinfo.
India’s Bowling Strength
India’s unbeaten streak can largely be attributed to their stellar bowling performance, with Jasprit Bumrah leading the charge. Bumrah has been exceptional, especially in the Super 8 stage against Afghanistan, where he took three wickets for just 7 runs in four overs, including 20 dot balls.
Manjrekar compared Bumrah’s impact to that of Sunil Narine during his prime in the IPL. “Jasprit Bumrah is performing in the USA and West Indies just like Sunil Narine at Eden Gardens during the IPL. There’s a big margin between him and other top-class bowlers around the world,” Manjrekar observed. He praised Bumrah’s consistency and effectiveness, emphasizing how fortunate India is to have him.
Collective Team Effort
While Kohli’s form remains a talking point, Manjrekar highlighted the importance of recognizing the team’s collective effort. India’s bowlers, led by Bumrah, have played a crucial role in their victories, ensuring the team remains a formidable force in the tournament.
As the T20 World Cup progresses, the Indian team’s focus remains on maintaining their unbeaten run and aiming for the title. Despite Kohli’s struggles, their balanced and comprehensive performance across all departments has kept them in strong contention.
Manjrekar’s call to shift the narrative from individual performance to team success is a timely reminder of the importance of unity and collective effort in sports. As India continues its campaign in the T20 World Cup, the team’s ability to perform under pressure and support each other will be key to their continued success.
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