"Virat Kohli needs to remember even MS Dhoni didn't have a good World Cup"- Virat's biggest admirer advices him
Published - 29 Jun 2024, 01:10 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:14 AM
Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has backed out-of-form Virat Kohli to excel in the highly anticipated final against South Africa in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Mohammad Kaif stated that Virat Kohli can replicate legendary MS Dhoni's heroics from the ODI World Cup 2011 final against Sri Lanka.
Virat Kohli has failed to make an impact with the bat in the T20 World Cup 2024 so far. The right-handed batter scored just 75 runs at a disappointing average of 10.71 across seven matches. He was dismissed for nine runs off nine deliveries in Team India's 68-run victory over England in the semifinal match.
The Rohit Sharma-led team has remained unbeaten in the tournament so far, despite Kohli's disappointing performances. The Men in Blue have shown dominance to secure a spot in the final match. India will lock horns with South Africa in the summit clash at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on Saturday, June 29.
Virat Kohli Can Play Ball On Merit - Mohammad Kaif
In a video on his X (formerly known as Twitter) handle, Mohammad Kaif said that Virat Kohli can deliver when it matters most, highlighting MS Dhoni's match-winning knock in the 2011 ODI World Cup. Kaif advised Kohli to play on merit rather than slogging in the upcoming match.
"Virat Kohli needs to remember that even Dhoni didn't have a great World Cup in 2011, but he found form in the final. Small suggestion: He is too good a player to slog, he can play ball on merit and dominate any bowling attack," Kaif said in a video posted on 'X'.
"Mahendra Singh Dhoni was out of form in the 2011 ODI World Cup. He played an unbeaten 91-run knock in the final. His six over long on to Kulasekara is etched in everybody's mind. That's why I think Virat Kohli has a great chance to become a hero," he added.
MS Dhoni struggled to score runs before the final match in the 2011 ODI World Cup, managing only 150 runs in eight matches. However, the wicketkeeper-batter scored an unbeaten 91 off 79 balls in the final against Sri Lanka. He smashed a memorable six to guide India to victory at the Wankhede Stadium.
Virat Kohli Must Forget That He Is In Poor Form - Mohammad Kaif
Mohammad Kaif stated that Virat Kohli should draw confidence from his innings against South Africa during the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he scored his 49th ODI century. Kaif emphasized that Kohli should forget his recent poor form and focus on playing genuine cricketing shots.
"He must forget that he is in poor form. He had hit a century when India last played South Africa in the ODI World Cup at Eden Gardens. He was brilliant that day and played very well, but he wasn't slogging that day but was playing the ball on merit with proper cricket shots," Kaif further stated.
India aims to end an 11-year trophy drought by defeating South Africa in the T20 World Cup final. Virat Kohli could join an elite list of cricketers who have won the ODI World Cup, Champions Trophy, and T20 World Cup if India secures victory in the upcoming match.
