IND vs PAK: Virat Kohli told to learn from Rohit Sharma by Nayan Mongia for success against Pakistan

Former Indian cricketer Nayan Mongia discussed the strategic adjustments Virat Kohli needs for success in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024 as an opener for the Indian cricket team ahead of their much-awaited clash with Pakistan on June 9 in New York.

Mongia stressed that Kohli, who was dismissed for 1 run off 5 balls while attempting an aggressive shot during Team India’s dominating eight-wicket win over Ireland in their first T20 World Cup 2024 match, must adapt his game to the current pitch conditions in New York.

The former Indian wicketkeeper-batter highlighted the importance of patience for top-order batters, suggesting Kohli should take time to settle in before unleashing his aggressive shots instead of trying to dominate from the first ball like he did in the recent IPL 2024.

Nayan Mongia suggests strategic adjustments for Virat Kohli in T20 World Cup 2024

He stressed that Kohli can’t play like IPL on such uneven pitches in New York. Mongia further cited the example of Rohit Sharma's brilliant innings against Ireland and suggested that a measured and steady start can help the top-order batters make big scores in New York.

Mongia said that the Indian skipper’s ability to build his innings gradually, assessing the pitch and conditions before accelerating, is a great example for Kohli to learn and play like Rohit on such pitches, as it allows batters to navigate the early challenges of the pitch.

Nayan Mongia said on Star Sports: “It won't be that easy. He would have understood, when he got out in the first match while trying to play on the rise, that he needs to give himself a little time. You cannot play on this wicket like the IPL. The way Rohit Sharma built his innings, he would have to play a knock like that.”

Mongia also admitted that there is an expectation for Kohli to make the most of the powerplay and score quickly, but this can’t happen in the USA, saying he needs to understand and adapt to the conditions to set a solid foundation before going for big shots.

Give yourself a little time and then play the big shots: Nayan Mongia to Virat Kohli

The commentator feels Kohli must adopt a calculated approach, giving himself time to adjust to the pitch before playing their natural, aggressive game against Pakistan, as they have a quality bowling attack and will try their best to keep the former Indian skipper silent on Sunday.

Mongia added, “Yes, we want him to play the big shots for which he has been promoted to No. 1, to make the most of the powerplay, but that won't happen. You have seen all teams, whichever batters have given themselves a little time, have been successful. If you give yourself a little time, you have 10 to 15 overs to accumulate runs. So, give yourself a little time and then play the big shots.”

In the end, the former cricketer said that the entire world will watch the India-Pakistan match, so everyone wants to bring their A-game, and Kohli is not going to stay back in the T20 World Cup 2024 clash.