Virat Kohli’s underwhelming performance in the T20 World Cup 2024 has become a talking point, despite India’s qualification for the Super 8 stage. After a blazing IPL 2024 season with a tournament-leading 741 runs, many expected him to replicate that form on the international stage. However, Kohli has managed a mere 5 runs across three matches, raising questions about his batting position and overall form.
A Dismal Start for Kohli in T20 World Cup
Kohli’s scores of 1, 4, and 0 against Ireland, Pakistan, and USA, respectively, mark his worst-ever start to a T20 World Cup campaign. His golden duck against the USA was his second in his T20I career and his first in a World Cup.
Further compounding the issue, India’s final group stage match against Canada is on Saturday, and practice sessions before their first Super 8 game on June 20th might be cancelled due to bad weather in Florida, limiting Kohli’s opportunities to regain his touch.
Dube Shrugs Off Concerns, Believes in Kohli’s Redemption
The Indian team management, however, remains unfazed by Kohli’s struggles. Shivam Dube, responding to a query about Kohli’s form, displayed unwavering support for his teammate. “Who am I to talk about Kohli? If he hasn’t got runs in three games, he may well get three hundreds in the next three and there will be no more discussions. We all know his game and how he plays,” Dube said on Thursday.
Dube himself endured a similar struggle on the challenging New York pitch, scoring only 3 runs in India’s first two matches. However, he bounced back impressively against the USA, scoring a match-winning 31 runs off 35 balls.
“I was struggling with my form and focusing on my process,” Dube said. “But here, there was no pressure. All the support staff and coaches backed me and told me, ‘It’s difficult, but you have the ability to hit sixes, so apply it.'”
Dube emphasised the importance of adapting to different conditions. “I’ve never doubted myself for what I’ve done in the past. I just think that these conditions do not demand what I’ve done at CSK. These conditions require a different approach, so I was batting differently today,” he added.
While India has secured their place in the next round, all eyes will be on Virat Kohli as he looks to silence his critics and rediscover his batting prowess in the crucial Super 8 matches. With Shivam Dube’s unwavering confidence and Kohli’s undeniable talent, a turnaround in form could be right around the corner.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram and Instagram
