'Virat Kohli showed why he's great and Rohit Sharma...' - Kuldeep Yadav's verdict on batters' T20 WC show

Published - 10 Jul 2024, 05:43 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:15 AM

Kuldeep Yadav, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli
Kuldeep Yadav, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli (Image Credits: Twitter)

India wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav heaped praise on veteran batsmen Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for their performances in the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2024. Kuldeep Yadav highlighted how Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli showcased their abilities in crucial matches, describing them as big players.

The Rohit Sharma-led team registered a seven-run victory over South Africa in the final match in Barbados on June 29. The Men in Blue ended their 11-year trophy drought with a win in a nail-biting encounter. Following the match, Rohit and Virat announced their retirement from the shorter international format.

Rohit Sharma Batted Well Throughout The Tournament - Kuldeep Yadav

In a conversation with RevSportz, Kuldeep Yadav stated that the big players step up when the situation demands in a crunch match. Kuldeep stated that Rohit Sharma's knock against Australia in the Super Eight match was brilliant.

"It was evident once again that when the situation demands in a crunch match, the big players step up. And Virat bhai showed why he is regarded as a great player. Rohit bhai also batted well throughout the tournament. His knock against Australia was brilliant," Kuldeep told RevSportz.

Rohit Sharma scored 92 runs off 41 balls, including seven boundaries and eight sixes, against Australia in India's last Super Eight match. The Men in Blue reached a total of 205 runs in 20 overs, thanks to the Indian skipper's knock. Australia fell short by 24 runs during the run chase, leading to their elimination.

Didn't Feel We Could Reach A Score Of 175 Runs - Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep Yadav praised Virat Kohli's innings in the final match against South Africa. The left-arm wrist spinner described Virat Kohli's knock as classy and pivotal in India reaching a total of 176 runs. Kuldeep stated that Virat's 16 runs off Rabada shifted momentum in India's favor.

"Talking about Virat bhai’s knock in the final, the team needed someone to step up as we were in deep trouble at 20/3. He played a great knock (76 off 59 balls) which brought us into the match. It had class written over. We did not feel we would reach a score of 175 runs. But thanks to his brilliance, we ended up scoring 176. He took 16 runs against Rabada which gave us the momentum. When the situation demanded, he scored and that is the hallmark of a big player," Kuldeep added.

Virat Kohli struggled to score runs leading up to the final. However, he looked solid by smashing three fours in the first over. Keshav Maharaj turned the match in South Africa's favor by dismissing Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant in the second over. Suryakumar Yadav was dismissed for 3 runs, leaving India 34/3.

The 35-year-old batter formed crucial partnerships with Axar Patel (47) and Axar Patel (27) to help the team reach a competitive total of 176 runs in 20 overs. Kohli was dismissed after scoring 76 runs off 59 balls, including 6 boundaries and two sixes. Kohli was rewarded with the "Player of the Match" accolade.

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