Batting maestro Virat Kohli's form in the ongoing T20 World Cup has become a talking point. Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden weighed in, expressing confidence that Kohli, a world-class batsman, will find his rhythm in the upcoming Super 8 stage.
Virat Kohli's struggles in T20 World Cup
Kohli's struggles in the league stage are undeniable. The experiment of promoting him in the batting order hasn't yielded positive results. He has yet to reach double figures in the tournament, with a disappointing 1-run score against Ireland marking the start of his slump. This comes as a surprise considering Kohli's impressive performance in the IPL 2024, where he amassed 741 runs. The expectation was that he would be a key player for India in the T20 World Cup. With the Super 8 stage approaching, all eyes are on Kohli to rediscover his touch and contribute to India's success in the tournament.
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Kohli's struggles continued in the subsequent matches. A glimmer of hope emerged with a gorgeous cover drive against Pakistan, but unfortunately, he was dismissed soon after, adding only 4 runs to his tally. In the final group stage match versus the United States, he was dismissed for a golden duck, finishing the league stage with a meager 5 runs.
Matthew Hayden backs Kohli amidst form slump
Despite Kohli's current slump, former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden believes in his ability to bounce back. Hayden highlighted Kohli's experience as a world-class batsman, particularly valuable on pitches where par scores are typically between 160-170 runs. He suggested that batting at number three might not be the optimal position for Kohli at this moment and advocated for an opening role.
“Kohli in any condition is a world-class batter. These [Caribbean] are venues where you have to construct an innings and think about the kind of realistic totals that are possible in these different venues. Outside of St Lucia, par scores are in the range of 160-170 and Virat, with all his experience, will be able to work out what to do, like hitting spin towards the windward side, depending on how significant it is,” Hayden elaborated on his thoughts during a Star Sports Press Room appearance.
"Look, conditions in the USA were extremely tough, no one likes that. Everyone wants to see these great champions playing freely. But it's not necessarily going to be the case. That's why experience counts. I said it during the IPL as well, if Kohli was going to be in the team, he needs to open. Virat at three, I don't think we'll get the best out of him. You can't just turn up and blast 250 on these wickets, you need thinking cricketers," he added.
Matthew Hayden offered advice for Virat Kohli, referencing the successful adjustment of David Warner as an opening batsman in these conditions. Hayden expressed his belief that Kohli will ultimately justify the team's decision to open with him. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy strike rate for Kohli to succeed in this role. Hayden elaborated:
"You look back at David Warner's performance this World Cup - in Barbados on a sluggish wicket, he made 30-odd [39 in 16 balls vs England]. It was a really well-constructed thirty. It depends on what your benchmark is. Are you looking at 100s, 50s, strike rate? The way Warner came out on a pretty [tough] wicket and blew the game away, that's what Kohli is going to be challenged with in the Caribbean. Just leave him alone. He will show you why the Indian selectors have had faith in him at that position. He needs to continue to have a great strike rate. We've clearly seen a pattern emerge here at the World Cup where those six overs [powerplay], you have to be in front of the game. It's too hard to catch up. If you're looking at the back half of the game, it's trouble. You must be clinical in the first ten," Hayden concluded.
Kohli will look to end his run drought in the T20 World Cup 2024's Super 8 clash against Afghanistan on June 20.
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