Virat Kohli receives massive Naveen-ul-Haq warning from Aakash Chopra amid T20 World Cup horror show

India qualified for the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup 2024 in grand style as the toppers of Group A. The fact that India topped the group without any significant contribution from Virat Kohli speaks volumes of the caliber of other players.

Kohli has scored just 5 runs in three games, which is quite uncharacteristic for a player like him. This also includes a golden duck against the USA. But former India opener Aakash Chopra has backed Kohli to regain his form ahead of the much-important clash against Afghanistan.

Also read: Indian batters vs Afghanistan spinners battle to decide winner of high-octane T20 World Cup clash, claims Dinesh Karthik

Aakash Chopra backs Virat Kohli ahead of the Super Eight clash against Afghanistan

While speaking on Jio Cinema, Aakash Chopra mentioned that Virat Kohli will return back to form against Afghanistan. Talking about the venue, Chopra stated that the pitch will be better to bat on as compared to New York, where India played its three games.

"I believe Virat Kohli should return to form against Afghanistan, not because of the opponent, but because of the calibre of player he is and the form he exhibited coming into this World Cup. Considering the venue, there is hope the ball will come onto the bat well, and the side boundaries aren't very large. I think he has been overly aggressive," Chopra said.

'I hope he gives himself some time' - Aakash Chopra on Virat Kohli

The former India opener was also critical of Kohli's overly aggressive approach that has cost him his wicket so far this tournament. Chopra also warned Kohli of Naveen-ul-Haq and other Afghanistan bowlers.

"In India's last match against Afghanistan in Bengaluru, he attempted a six on the first ball and got out. His dismissals during this World Cup suggest an overly positive approach that hasn't worked for him. I hope he gives himself some time because Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq are in excellent form, plus they have a strong spin attack. If Kohli gives himself some time, his form won't be a concern," Chopra added.

Virat Kohli has played as an opener this season instead of batting as No. 3, a spot where he has batted for most part of his career. He has tried to play his shots from the first ball which has often cost him his wicket. But Kohli has been in these situations before as well and has come out of such situations successfully.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli form a powerful opening combination at the top order and India will hope its talismanic batters to be amongst the runs in the important stage of the tournament.

Kohli had come into the T20 World Cup 2024 on the back of a stellar IPL season, where he emerged as the highest run-scorer with 741 runs in 15 matches. But he struggled to bat in the bowler-friendly pitches in New York, resulting in low scores.

After playing Afghanistan on June 20 in Barbados, India will go to Antigua to face Bangladesh on June 22. India's final Super Eight match will be against Australia on June 24 in St. Lucia.