Virat Kohli entered the event after leading the RCB to an Orange Cap-winning season in the IPL and amassing over 700 runs. After poor performances in the T20 World Cup group stage, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has downplayed the discussion over star batsman Virat Kohli’s form. In the USA encounter on Wednesday, Saurabh Netravalkar removed Kohli for a golden duck after the batsman scored one run against Ireland and four against Pakistan, respectively. The 35-year-old entered the competition fresh off an IPL season in which he won the Orange Cap and amassed over 700 runs for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Gavaskar, though, asserted that there is no need for anxiety regarding Kohli’s form. The legendary batter continued by saying that the veteran needs patience.
“Winning games is the main source of motivation for athletes, particularly those who represent their nation in competition. He has won numerous games and performed incredibly well for India throughout the years. I believe he is aware of that. The competition is only getting started at this point. There are the semi-finals, the final, and hopefully the Super 8. After the game, Gavaskar remarked on Star Sports, “I think he has plenty of patience and faith in himself. All he needs to do is show those things.” Going into the tournament’s knockout rounds, Gavaskar believes that Kohli will have enough of opportunities to restore his magic touch because India has advanced comfortably to the next round of the T20 World Cup.
“It doesn’t necessarily mean he isn’t hitting well when you have three low scores. You occasionally receive quality delivery. On any other day, the ball would have crossed the boundary line or gone wide, but not today. Thus, there’s no need to be concerned. We must have confidence in him. I think he will turn things around, sooner rather than later,” the legendary batter continued. It has already taken Kohli three matches to recover from his dismal start to the 2024 T20 World Cup campaign. Rewinding to his dismissal, Netravalkar angled a ball over to Kohli, allowing the superstar batsman from India to chip one past the wicketkeeper. India’s last group match will take place in Florida following three consecutive victories in New York. With a new location, Kohli will be hoping that things go smoothly for him.
