"He has suffered..go back to the game against Pakistan at the MCG"- Nasser Hussain delivers stone-cold verdict on Virat Kohli
Published - 29 Jun 2024, 10:37 AM | Updated - 24 Aug 2024, 03:10 AM
Former England captain Nasser Hussain expressed confidence in star batter Virat Kohli's ability to deliver in the highly anticipated final match in the T20 World Cup 2024. Nasser Hussain stated that Virat Kohli has struggled to score runs in the World Cup due to challenging conditions in New York.
India and South Africa will compete in the T20 World Cup 2024 final match at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on Saturday, June 29. Both teams have shown dominance throughout the tournament and remain unbeaten so far. The two teams will be eager to claim the prestigious ICC title in the upcoming match.
Virat Kohli Is Always There In Big Matches - Nasser Hussain
Virat Kohli has struggled in the ongoing T20 World Cup despite high expectations following a sensational IPL 2024 season. The right-handed batter has managed to score just 75 runs across seven games at a poor average of 10.71 and a strike rate of 100. He registered two ducks in the ICC tournament.
Speaking ahead of the India-South Africa final match, Nasser Hussain stated that Virat Kohli can perform in big matches, recalling his impressive performance against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2022.
"I mean you go back to the game against Pakistan at the MCG, India were floundering. Who was there at the end? Smashing. That's the biggest game of all time for the Indians. India, Pakistan, you know. So he is always there in big matches," Nasser Hussain told Sky Sports.
🗣️ "He is always there in big matches"
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Skipper Rohit Sharma stated that Virat Kohli is saving his best for the final match. The Delhi-born cricketer holds records for the most runs in the history of T20 World Cups. He has scored 1216 runs in 34 games at an impressive average of 57.90. He has smashed the most half-centuries (14) in T20 World Cup history.
Cannot Doubt Virat Kohli As A Player - Nasser Hussain
Nasser Hussain stated that Virat Kohli should maintain his natural batting style rather than trying to play aggressively. He emphasized that Kohli's approach makes him an essential stabilizing force for the team. The cricketer-turned-commentator described Kohli as a big-match player.
"I personally and others will disagree because you want to set the tone throughout the team. I think Virat Kohli should bat like he's batted over the last decade. He's got a strike rate of 138. He can be the glue, the rot, you know, they all bat around, and they all come in playing their shots. You cannot doubt Kohli as a player. You cannot doubt him in a big match. He has suffered because of that New York pitch because he had a brilliant IPL," Hussain added.
The cricketer-turned-commentator stated that challenging pitch conditions in New York affected Virat Kohli's form. Nasser noted that Virat Kohli needs time to find his batting rhythm, unlike power hitters like Hardik Pandya. He concluded by stating that the Indian cricket team wants Virat Kohli in a big match.
