"He was looking as good as gold" - Aakash Chopra on Virat Kohli

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra praised star batter Virat Kohli for his impressive batting performance against Bangladesh during the Super 8 match in the T20 World Cup 2024. Aakash Chopra stated that Virat Kohli was looking as good as gold after regaining his vintage batting form before the semifinals.

The Men in Blue secured a comfortable 50-run victory in their second Super 8 match in Antigua on Saturday, June 22. The Indian team posted a total of 196 runs after losing the toss. The Indian bowlers restricted Bangladesh to 146 in 20 overs, boosting their chances to reach the semi-finals in the ICC tournament.

Virat Kohli played an attacking knock of 37 runs off 28 deliveries, including one boundary and three maximums. All-rounder Hardik Pandya top-scored for India, scoring 50 runs off 27 deliveries. Rishabh Pant (36 off 24) and Shivam Dube (34 off 24) chipped in with useful contributions with the bat in the match.

The Batting Was Incredible - Aakash Chopra

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra highlighted Rohit Sharma's aggressive approach in both white-ball formats. Chopra mentioned that Rohit got out while playing aggressive cricket. He added that Virat Kohli's form was finally seen in India's last match.

"The batting was incredible. Rohit Sharma started first and that has become his template. He has decided that if the tournament's name is World Cup, whether it's T20 or ODI, he will start destructively and score runs as quickly as possible. Two shots and then the third shot went straight up in the air and he got out and went," Chopra said.

"However, he went after setting the template - the captain leading by example. Virat Kohli was at the other end. He said whatever has happened is past, he hit three sixes in this match and only one four. He even hit a no-look shot. He was looking as good as gold. So Kohli's Virat form was finally seen," he added.

Rohit Sharma scored 23 runs off 11 balls, including three fours and a six. He formed a 39-run opening partnership with Virat Kohli in 3.4 overs. Kohli then took charge and played an aggressive role. The former Indian skipper added a 32-run partnership with Rishabh Pant for the second wicket.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib Is A Very Decent Bowler - Aakash Chopra

The cricketer-turned-commentator described Tanzim Hasan Sakib as a very decent bowler. Chopra stated that Tanzim Hasan created difficulties for India by dismissing Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav.

"However, then he (Kohli) got out. If you talk about Tanzim, he is a very decent bowler. He bowled a sort of off-cutter and dismissed Virat Kohli. After that, Suryakumar Yadav hit a six off a bouncer off the first ball but then he too got out immediately due to extra bounce, and India were seen slightly struggling," Chopra further added.

The Rohit Sharma-led team will end their Super 8 stage with a match against Australia at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St Lucia on Monday, June 24. The Men in Blue will be hoping to continue their winning streak before the semifinal stage of the marquee tournament.

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