Virat Kohli instructed to change? Vikram Rathour reveals India's dressing room conversation after poor form

Team India batting coach Vikram Rathour stated that the team management is concerned about star batter Virat Kohli's poor form with the bat in the T20 World Cup 2024. Vikram Rathour expressed confidence in Virat Kohli to deliver for the Indian team in the Super 8 stage of the ongoing ICC tournament.

Virat Kohli was in exceptional form for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The right-handed batter finished as the leading run-getter in the IPL 2024. He scored 741 runs at an impressive average of 61.75 and a strike rate of 154.70, including one century and five fifties.

However, the 35-year-old cricketer failed to deliver for the national team in the T20 World Cup 2024. The former Indian skipper scored just five runs in three innings at a disappointing average of 1.67 and a strike rate of 55.56. He was dismissed for a golden duck against the United States of America (USA).

No Concern at All - Vikram Rathour

When asked about Virat Kohli's form after India's match against Canada was washed out, Vikram Rathour dismissed any concerns about his form and highlighted the former Indian skipper's excellent performance in the IPL 2024.

“I love it when every time I come there is a question about Virat Kohli, whether he is doing well or not. No concern at all, no concern at all,” Rathour said.

“He (Kohli) has been batting superbly from the tournament that he came from (IPL). A couple of dismissals here, don't change anything, he is batting really well,” he added.

Virat Kohli Is A Little Hungrier - Vikram Rathour

Vikram Rathour expressed confidence in Virat Kohli's ability to rebound when it matters most. The Indian batting coach stated that Virat is a little hungrier, suggesting that he is poised for strong performances in the upcoming games.

“Actually, it's good that he is a little hungrier, he is really keen to do well and really switched on. It's a good space to be as a batsman, I think. Looking forward to some good games and we've watched some good innings from him,” he added.

The Rohit Sharma-led team advanced to the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup after securing three consecutive wins. The Men in Blue's final group stage match against Canada was washed out due to rain. India will face Afghanistan in their first Super 8 match at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on Thursday, June 20.

Need To Be A Flexible Team - Vikram Rathour

The 55-year-old emphasized the importance of flexibility in their approach, adapting to the conditions they face. Rathour said that the team will handle various situations based on the conditions present on match day.

“Again, we need to be a flexible team. We need to look at the conditions that are in front of us and be ready to deal with those. So as a team, we are going to be really flexible, I think. We'll react to what (conditions) we get on the day. We have enough sources in our team to deal with any kind of conditions,” Rathour added

Also read: "Qudrat ka Nizam has shown the mirror to Babar Azam" - Basit Ali rips apart Pakistan skipper after lackluster show