Sourav Ganguly reacts to Virat Kohli's disappointing form ahead of IND vs SA T20 World Cup, says 'People like him...'

Sourav Ganguly reacts to Virat Kohli's disappointing form ahead of IND vs SA T20 World Cup, says 'People like him...'
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly (left) and batting juggernaut Virat Kohli in this frame. (Getty-X)

Story Highlights:

Sourav Ganguly talked about Virat Kohli's dismal performance in the T20 World Cup.

Virat Kohli has scored just 75 runs in seven innings in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024.

With the T20 World Cup 2024 final looming, former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has offered his take on Virat Kohli's performance and ideal batting position. Kohli's struggles in the tournament are no secret, having managed a meager 75 runs across seven innings. Kohli's struggles have been evident throughout the World Cup. He's fallen short of expectations, averaging a mere 10.71 runs per dismissal with a slow strike rate of 100. During the semi-final against England, glimpses of his usual brilliance emerged with a powerful six, but his innings was cut short, dismissed for 9 runs. This lean patch stands in stark contrast to his stellar IPL 2024 season, where he dominated as an opener, scoring over 700 runs and securing the Orange Cap.

With the T20 World Cup final approaching, discussions about India's batting order are heating up. Many fans and analysts are advocating for the inclusion of young talent Yashasvi Jaiswal, potentially pushing Virat Kohli down to number 3. However, former captain Sourav Ganguly believes Kohli should retain his opening position.

ALSO READ: Ben Stokes finally reacts to England's T20 World Cup exit, calls out 'unwarranted criticism', expresses raw emotions for Jos Buttler

ALSO READ: Ravi Shastri-led star-studded commentary panel announced for India vs South Africa T20 World Cup final, here's the full list

Don’t rule Virat Kohli out in the final: Ganguly

 

"Virat should continue to open. He just had a World Cup of 700 runs seven months ago. He is human. Sometimes, he will also fail, and you have to accept it. People like Kohli, Tendulkar, Dravid, they are institutions for Indian cricket. Three-four matches don’t make them weaker players. Don’t rule him out in the final tomorrow," Ganguly was quoted as saying by PTI.

 

India captain Rohit Sharma has also expressed his confidence in Kohli, backing him to deliver a strong performance in the crucial T20 World Cup final.

 

"He (Kohli) is a quality player. Any player can go through (dip in form) that. We do understand his class and we do understand his importance in all these big games. Form is never a problem. When you’ve played cricket for 15 years, form is never a problem. He’s looking good, the intent is there, he’s probably saving for the final," Rohit in the post-match presentation.

 

ALSO READ: Gutted Jos Buttler regrets committing big blunder after losing to India in T20 World Cup semifinal, says 'In hindsight, I should have...'
ALSO READ: Rohit Sharma breaks silence on Virat Kohli's rusty form after India's win in T20 World Cup semis, says 'when you've played for 15 years...'

 

The stage is set for a compelling T20 World Cup final. India seeks to recapture their lost glory, having last lifted the trophy in the tournament's debut edition back in 2007. South Africa, on the other hand, will be making their maiden World Cup final appearance (across all formats) after enduring the heartbreak of seven previous semi-final defeats. This match promises a clash of aspirations: India yearning for a revival, and South Africa striving to etch their name in history.

 

Ganguly was also asked if he has any advise for Rohit Sharma for the T20 World Cup final, to which he said: 

 

"I don't want to advise him. I captained India in three tournaments, and I lost two. In one, I was the joint winner so I don't want to advise him anything and just wish him the best of luck," Ganguly concluded.

 

MORE ON SPORTS TAK:

Sourav Ganguly gives strong retort to Michael Vaughan on claims of ICC favouring India in T20 World Cup, 'If you own 80 percent of shares...'

'Humein na sikhayein reverse swing kaise hota hai...': Pakistan's Inzamam Ul Haq hits back at Rohit Sharma on ball-tampering debate    
'Always in favour of India': Shoaib Akhtar lavishes praise on Rohit Sharma ahead of T20 World Cup 2024 final between India and South Africa

Indian bowler with 287 wickets announces sudden retirement after getting benched for 3 years amidst T20 World Cup

'Upar dega to deta hu na': Rohit Sharma's hilarious conversation with Suryakumar Yadav for Liam Livingstone caught on stump mic - WATCH