Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa spoke about Virat Kohli and urged the Rohit Sharma-led team to maintain their winning formula in the semi-final match against England in the T20 World Cup 2024. Robin Uthappa stated that the momentum is with the team Indian and added that everything is working for them in the World Cup.
The Indian team will face defending champions England in the second semi-final match at the Providence Stadium in Guyana on Thursday, June 27. India and England are working hard to reach the final match against the South African team at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on Saturday, June 29.
India has maintained an unbeaten record in the ongoing tournament. The Men in Blue achieved victories in three group stage matches. They defeated Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Australia in the Super 8. India are looking to take revenge for their 10-wicket loss to England in the semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2022.
Virat Kohli is not at the party yet – Robin Uthappa
Speaking on Ravichandran Ashwin’s YouTube channel, Robin Uthappa praised India’s performance in the ongoing T20 World Cup. He pointed out that Virat Kohli is yet to perform significantly in the event. Uthappa emphasized that the Indian team should not try to change anything in the last two matches.
“I love the way India bats and plays cricket. Virat Kohli is not at the party yet. He is outside. He is outside the party gate. But everyone has turned up. Just amazing. As for I’m worried, there is momentum. Everything is working for them,” Uthappa said.
“Now, exactly as we have done in the past, I think we have to learn from our mistakes and say: let’s continue with what works for us. Let’s not try to change anything in the last two games. Let’s play for each other.” Let’s mutually enjoy each other’s success,” he added.
The Indian team management kept their plans throughout the tournament and only used 12 players so far. Pacer Mohammed Siraj played all three matches during the group stage in New York. However, left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav replaced him for the Super 8 matches in the West Indies.
Rohit Sharma backed his instincts – Robin Uthappa
Robin Uthappa praised Rohit Sharma for his leadership in the T20 World Cup 2024. The cricketer-turned-commentator highlighted how Rohit backed Hardik Pandya despite his disappointing performance with the ball against Australia in the last Super 8 match.
“In this tournament, one thing that struck me is that Rohit, as a leader, has backed his instincts. He got a lot of questions. Why did he give the ball to Hardik Pandya? Why didn’t he bowl the spinners yesterday? Because instinctively, maybe he feels as a leader that he is the most successful bowler in this campaign. Why shouldn’t he go? Yes, he is being hit for runs, but he has faith in him.”
Hardik Pandya has been an impressive performer in the 2024 T20 World Cup. The right-handed batsman scored 116 runs in four innings at a strike rate of 145.00. He has taken eight wickets in six matches at an economy rate of 7.47. Pandya was named ‘Man of the Match’ against Bangladesh in the Super 8 phase.
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