After a month of anticipation, the awaited day has finally arrived. The current T20 World Cup is gearing up for its climactic final between India and South Africa. Throughout this intense tournament, both teams have delivered outstanding performances, entering the final unbeaten. Team India showcased exceptional teamwork, with every player shining in critical moments. However, Virat Kohli’s performance has faced scrutiny amidst his struggles in the tournament. Addressing the World Cup final discussion, former India captain Sourav Ganguly voiced staunch support for Kohli’s place in the starting lineup.
Virat Kohli’s Struggle and Ganguly’s Support
Virat Kohli‘s recent form has sparked concerns for India ahead of Saturday’s T20 World Cup final against South Africa in Barbados. Despite leading the tournament with 1216 runs overall, Kohli’s performance in T20 World Cups has been disappointing, managing only 75 runs in seven innings, his poorest showing in six appearances, attracting significant criticism.
Expectations were high following Kohli’s standout IPL 2024 season, where he topped the batting charts with 741 runs in 15 innings and claimed the Orange Cap. However, he struggled in the World Cup, tallying five single-digit scores, including two ducks. His highest score of 37 came against Bangladesh in the Super Eight stage.
Ganguly responded emphatically, pointing to Kohli’s outstanding displays in last year’s ODI World Cup as evidence of his abilities. Ganguly remarked, “Don’t discount Virat Kohli. He’s a rare talent. Virat should persist as an opener. Just months ago, he amassed 700 runs in a World Cup. He’s human. Sometimes, he will falter, and that’s part of the game.”
Drawing Parallel With the Greats
Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly went as far as comparing Kohli to India’s cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, expressing confidence in Kohli’s ability to play a crucial innings in the final at Kensington Oval.
Ganguly remarked, “Players like Kohli, Tendulkar, Dravid, they embody Indian cricket. A few matches don’t diminish their greatness. Don’t underestimate him in tomorrow’s final.”
June 29 marks a significant day in cricket. Kensington Oval prepares to host this momentous clash. India and South Africa, both having had outstanding tournaments, are eager to claim the coveted trophy. It’s South Africa’s first-ever appearance in a final, promising fans an epic showdown.
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