Former India batsman Ambati Rayudu made a big statement about Virat Kohli’s form ahead of India’s first Super Eight match against Afghanistan in Barbados. Kohli has been struggling for form in this tournament and has scored only 5 runs in three matches so far.
He came into this tournament after a very successful IPL season in which he emerged as the highest run-getter in the tournament. But Kohli has scores of 1, 4 and 0 in the three matches he played in the group stage. As the T20 World Cup 2024 reaches an important stage, India will expect big runs from their prolific batsman.
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Ambati Rayudu backs Virat Kohli to play a memorable knock
While speaking to Star Sports, Ambati Rayudu stated that Kohli is a great player and looked determined in his practice sessions. Rayudu backed Kohli to play a memorable knock that future generations will remember.
“He is a great match player. He likes to play on a big stage and has done well for India over the years. He doesn’t have to prove anything to anyone. He just wants to win matches for India, that is his only mission and he is also practicing accordingly. We are seeing his commitment in practice,” Rayudu said.
“It looks like Virat Kohli in the US and the Caribbean will be like chalk and cheese. Kohli will perform in a way that generations will remember for years to come,” he added.
Will we see a turn in the tide for @imVkohli as #TeamIndia prepares to face #Afghanistan in the ?
📹 | @IrfanPathan and @RayuduAmbati discuss the burning question about 👑 Kohli’s form! 👀
Don’t miss the action at the – World Cup ka Super Stage 👉… pic.twitter.com/sSB9ahqt2n
– Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 20, 2024
Irfan Pathan echoes Ambati Rayudu’s statements
Meanwhile, former India fast bowler Irfan Pathan also echoed Rayudu’s statements by saying that Virat Kohli will perform well in this match. Along with Kohli, Pathan also backed Indian captain Rohit Sharma to play a big knock.
“Great player, great expectations. His expectations are not only from the fans, but also from himself. He wants to perform when India needs him. Virat Kohli has done this time and again. I am sure that both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will have a good performance. We could witness a once-in-a-lifetime performance from these two men,” Pathan said.
“Despite scoring over 25,000 runs and winning numerous games for India, Kohli has been practicing for the last two days in this series because he knows that there are back-to-back games in the Super Eight stage. His commitment to India has been outstanding.”, Pathan mentioned Kohli’s dedication to his practice sessions.
India have been grouped with Afghanistan, Australia and Bangladesh in Group 1 of the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup 2024. After playing Afghanistan on June 20, India will travel to Antigua to play Bangladesh on June 22. They will then move to Saint Lucia for their final Super Eight clash against Australia on June 24.
India have an excellent record over Afghanistan in the T20 World Cups, winning all three matches played against them so far.