Virat Kohli is under pressure and wants to prove a point: Ahmed Shehzad's bold take on batter's lean patch

Pakistan batter Ahmed Shehzad has backed Virat Kohli despite his lean run of form in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. Virat Kohli is having his worst T20 World Cup ever as a batter. The legendary batter has managed just 75 runs in seven matches so far at an average of 10.71.

Kohli's ways of getting dismissed have been quite unusual this tournament. Usually known for taking his time at the top, Kohli has been trying to be aggressive in the powerplay, which has often resulted in the fall of his wicket.

Even in the semi-final against England, Kohli had just hit a six but still went after Reece Topley, only to be bowled by the left-arm seamer. It remains to be seen what approach he takes in the final against South Africa.

Also read: 'They've best-balanced side' - Brad Hogg warns Rohit Sharma's team, backs South Africa to crush India's World Cup dream

Ahmed Shehzad backs Virat Kohli amid his lean patch

While speaking on a local TV show, Ahmed Shehzad was asked to speak about Virat Kohli's performances in the tournament. Shehzad responded by saying that Kohli's overall stats must be taken into consideration before commenting about his class.

"When you will see his stats, only then you'll realize what are his performances. He has scored 72-73 centuries and is not playing against any small team in the last five-six years. He is always playing against the top three teams in cricket. He has played so many World Cups. Looking at all his stats, strike rates, averages, he should be allowed at least 15-16 innings more to get back into form," Shehzad replied.

During the discussion, Shehzad also added that Virat Kohli was under pressure and seemed to be proving a point against England.

"There is a time when management comes to you and asks, 'What do you think? Do you need a break?' Today, Virat Kohli seemed to be under pressure. I think he wanted to prove a point today (vs England)," Shehzad wondered.

"He was sent out to open from No. 3 position. the plan is clear that he needs to make use of powerplay restrictions. We saw it in every game. It seemed like he is trying too much," he added.

Ahmad Shahzad backs Virat Kohli, says his overall record in ICC events speaks for itself. He says it's just a temporary lean patch and his class is permanent" 🇮🇳🇵🇰❤️❤️#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/nvDRGQO6tF

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) June 28, 2024

There was a lack of clarity in Virat Kohli's batting - Ahmed Shehzad

The 32-year-old opening batter also added that Kohli seemed to lack clarity and played a rash shot to get out.

"When a batter is in form, he chooses and picks his areas. But today, it seemed like he is going after the ball even when it's not there to hit. When such things happen, it is likely that the batter is under pressure and there is lack of clarity. When it happens to such a big player, then he will want to prove a point. Looking at his innings today, it seemed like he wanted to prove a point and played a rash shot," Shehzad concluded.

Kohli has played as an opener in this tournament. Previously, he used to bat at No. 3 and has scored most of the runs at that position. Kohli's highest score in this tournament has been 37 against Bangladesh. It will be interesting to see whether he can play a match-winning innings in the final when his team needs him the most.

Contrary to this, his opening partner Rohit Sharma has been in tremendous form with the bat and is the third-highest run-scorer of the tournament currently. Rohit has scored 248 runs in seven matches at an average of 41.33 and a strike rate of 155.97 so far.