Team India concerned about Virat Kohli's Form? Sanjay Manjrekar's blunt verdict on India Great

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar expressed confidence in star batter Virat Kohli despite his string of low scores in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Sanjay Manjrekar stated that the Indian team is finding different heroes in each game during the ICC tournament in the West Indies and the USA.

The Indian team registered a 24-run victory in the Super 8 match in St. Lucia on Monday, June 24. The Men in Blue advanced to the semi-finals after securing their third victory in the Super 8. However, Virat Kohli failed to make an impact with the bat as he was dismissed for a duck off Josh Hazlewood's bowling.

Rohit Sharma played a match-winning knock in India's recent match, scoring 92 runs off just 41 deliveries. Suryakumar Yadav scored 31 runs off 16 balls, while Shivam Dube (28 off 22) and Hardik Pandya (27 off 17) chipped in with useful contributions as the Men in Blue posted a total of 205/5 in 20 overs.

Am Not Concerned - Sanjay Manjrekar

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Sanjay Manjrekar praised Rohit Sharma for his batting contribution in India's 24-run victory. Manjrekar stated that all the players are contributing to the team, which shows positive growth in the team's overall performance.

"I am not concerned as long as India are finding different heroes. Today, we found Rohit Sharma. I like how Shivam Dube is also chipping in. I know towards the end his innings lost a bit of steam, but I like the fact that he was trying to play with soft hands against Josh Hazlewood. So, I see growth in all the other players and that's what you want in a team," Manjrekar said.

Selfless Is The Greatest Quality - Sanjay Manjrekar

The cricketer-turned-commentator said that Rohit Sharma wasn't worried about the big scores. Manjrekar added that Rohit was keen on setting the right momentum for the Indian team rather than chasing personal milestones.

"Selfless is the greatest quality that he has as a leader. As batter, big name player, and there's always spotlight and expectation, and he's not worried about that, even when he wasn't getting the big scores. He's not out there to get a big score; he's just out there to make sure he gives the right amount of momentum to that Indian innings," Manjrekar added.

He's Proven Both Of Those Facts - Sanjay Manjrekar

The 58-year-old commented on criticism towards Suryakumar Yadav, noting that some fans questioned his ability to perform in tough conditions against strong teams. Manjrekar highlighted Yadav's quick-fire knock as a response to critics in challenging conditions.

"There's some talk and some sceptics saying is Suryakumar Yadav, that great player that he is, the 360-degree batter, on slightly tricking pitches big teams? I think he's proven both of those facts," Manjrekar further added.

The Indian bowlers restricted Australia to 181/7 in 20 overs. Kuldeep Yadav conceded just 24 runs in his four overs. Kuldeep dismissed key batters, Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell. Arshdeep Singh took 3 wickets, while Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel each secured one wicket.

The Indian team will take on England, led by Jos Buttler, at the Providence Stadium in Guyana on Thursday, June 27.

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