T20 World Cup 2024: India can't win World Cup, predicts Tim Paine with a Virat Kohli twist

Former Australia Test captain Tim Paine has dropped a shocking bombshell on the Indian cricket team and fans over their prospects in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024, starting on June 1 in the USA and Caribbean.

India will kick off their campaign against Ireland on June 5 in New York. Paine is not sure about India's chances of winning the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 without a magnificent performance from their batting maestro Virat Kohli.

In a discussion with fellow Australians Aaron Finch and Michael Clarke on the 'Around the Wicket' podcast, the former Australia wicketkeeper-batter stressed that Kohli's form will be very crucial for Team India at the T20 World Cup 2024.

Virat Kohli's form vital for T20 World Cup glory: Tim Paine

He noted that without Kohli hitting top form, the collective efforts of the Men in Blue might not be sufficient to end their ICC trophy drought this time as well. However, the dashing right-hander is currently on fire with the bat in the ongoing IPL 2024, where he has so far amassed over 650+ runs.

Furthermore, Paine compared Kohli's importance to that of Glenn Maxwell for Australia, saying that just as the Kangaroos’ success completely depends on Maxwell delivering an exceptional show, India's prospects are bound to Kohli's performance.

Tim Paine was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo: “I can't see India winning the World Cup unless Virat Kohli has a really strong World Cup – bit similar to Glenn Maxwell's form. I know he hasn't been red-hot as of late but I can't see Australia winning the World Cup unless Maxwell has a blinder.”

Speaking about Kohli’s batting position for the Men in Blue at the T20 World Cup 2024, the Aussie noted: “I certainly would [have Kohli open]. I think Virat Kohli has earned the right to bat wherever he wants, particularly when he’s in this kind of form. I was the selection or coach in that team, I would want my best player, the best player in red-hot form, I would want him facing as many balls as possible so I’ll try and slot him back at the top.”

Virat Kohli and his IPL 2024 heroics

While Kohli is in red-hot form in the ongoing IPL 2024 with 661 runs in 13 games for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Maxwell had his worst season, scoring just 36 runs from 8 matches at a woeful average of 5.14.

However, Kohli and Rajat Patidar have been delivering stunning shows to keep RCB’s hopes alive for the IPL 2024 playoffs. RCB will face the defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their final league game on May 18 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, and they have to win this game to have any chances to make it to the top four.

Kohli has a great record in the T20 World Cups, and being in amazing form for the RCB, the former Indian skipper would love to take his scorching form to the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 and clinch his maiden ICC trophy in the format with the Men in Blue. This could also be Virat's last T20 World Cup.