'24 off 24, you can say that’s not great but...': Brian Lara on Virat Kohli's critics after run-a-ball knock during IND vs AFG Super 8 clash

Batting juggernaut Virat Kohli is yet to find his mojo back in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. Struggling for form, he has come under scrutiny for his performances. Virat Kohli, who was the leading scorer in the T20 World Cup 2022, has found runs hard to come by this year across the USA and West Indies. He's managed just 29 runs in four innings, with three scores in the single digits. Difficult conditions on the New York pitch saw Kohli struggle, registering low scores of 1, 4, and 5.  While many hoped a change of scenery to the Caribbean might spark a turnaround, his fortunes haven't improved.  In the crucial Super 8 match against Afghanistan, Kohli continued his slump with a slow 24 runs off 24 balls.

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However, there were glimpses of his former glory.  A six smashed off Naveen-ul-Haq momentarily reminded fans of his iconic six against Pakistan in the 2022 World Cup group stage.  This brief display of power has given batting legend Brian Lara hope.  Lara believes the time Kohli spent at the crease against Afghanistan will be a confidence booster for the upcoming matches.

"24 off 24, you can say that’s not great but the most important thing is that he spent some time out there. India has got one step closer to winning this trophy. I believe that Virat Kohli is just gonna go from strength to strength as he comes down to the Caribbean. He’s going to Antigua next, you’re gonna see him go out there and plough and plough, he’s gonna get runs," Lara said on Star Sports.

 

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The selection of Virat Kohli as Rohit Sharma's opening partner has been a talking point. This comes despite the impressive IPL season of Yashasvi Jaiswal, who won the Orange Cap.  While Kohli's performance at the top hasn't been ideal, legendary batsman Brian Lara offers a different perspective. Lara believes patience is key with a player of Kohli's caliber.  He highlights Kohli's reputation as a big-match performer and the remaining matches in the tournament where India will undoubtedly need him to fire.  In essence, Lara is advocating for continued support for Kohli despite his current slump.

 

"When he gets into full swing, it’s a different story. We just have to be very patient with him, we’re gonna see a lot of him there’s still a lot of games left in this World Cup," he concluded.

 

KohIi will look to put a full stop to his patchy form in India's next Super 8 clash against Bangladesh, against whom he cracked a superb century in the ODI World Cup 2023. 

 

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