IND vs NED: "Virat Kohli Alone Cannot Win The World Cup"- Madan Lal Believes Rohit Sharma And KL Rahul Have To Pull Up Their Socks

Madan Lal, a part of the 1983 World Cup-winning team, believes the “Men in Blue” must not rely on the exploits of just one or two players if they are to hoist the T20 World Cup trophy as the euphoria around Virat Kohli’s organised Indian victory over Pakistan is still settling. 

Against a competent Pakistani attack, Virat Kohli was at the pinnacle of his game as he led India to a historic four-wicket victory at the storied MCG on Sunday playing one of the best T20 innings ever; his 53-ball undefeated 82. 

Virat Kohli Is Not Going To Win You Every Match: Madan Lal

Former India coach Madan Lal believes that India’s openers must give the team a strong start and that it is too soon to determine if India is in the driving seat after just one victory since “with T20 cricket, you never know.” 

“Virat Kohli’s innings was amazing. I have never seen an innings like that but Virat Kohli is not going to win you every match. It’s such a big tournament. It can’t be won by one person,” Lal told PTI in an interview.  

“Australian pitches are suited to Kohli’s game. He runs the ones, twos, and three and uses the big grounds to his advantage. In between, he scores the boundaries. He has become mentally tougher.  

“Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul have to pull up their socks. Everybody needs to ensure that they are performing and trying their best all the time. And in every game, there will be different heroes,” the 71-year-old added.  

India’s Task Is Yet To Be Completed: Madan Lal

The former all-rounder said while India’s accomplishments merit praise, there is no room for complacency in a competition with such high stakes. 

“India’s task is yet to be completed. The journey has just begun. Even teams like the Netherlands are not weak teams. In T20, it’s anybody’s game.  

“If you win the tournament then only you can say the mission is complete and as an Indian team we have done the job,” he said.  

Rishabh Pant Should Always Play: Madan Lal

Lal, like many experts, argued that the starting XI should be determined by the circumstances rather than by the players’ reputations. 

“India must choose their playing XI according to the opponents they play. They should play their pacers and spinners accordingly. The same set of playing XI may not work,” he said.  

Rishabh Pant must, in Lal’s opinion, be included in the starting XI, nevertheless. Dinesh Karthik, Team India’s chosen finisher, started the match against Pakistan. For a while now, the two keeper-batters have been vying for position. 

“Pant should always play. He is a match-winner. Even if he plays five games, he is going to win you two games. So that is good enough. You should give him a chance to play five-six matches and you will see the difference,” he said.  

Don’t Know Whether India Will Go As Favorites Against South Africa: Madan Lal

India will need to perform at their peak against South Africa in Perth on Sunday, despite having a relatively easy opponent in the Netherlands on Thursday. 

Many believe that India will be the heavy favourite to win Group 2 and go to the semifinals, but Lal was circumspect in his response. 

“I don’t know whether India will go as favourites against South Africa. You have to go match by match. The wicket will come into play. What sort of combination India plays, will also be a factor. It all depends on the playing conditions against South Africa.”

Lal, though, is adamant that India would compete in the tournament’s knockout round. 

“In T20 cricket there are no clear favorites. South Africa is a dark horse. Australia at home is formidable. Sri Lanka is also doing well. England and New Zealand have also done very well. But definitely, India is in the top four brackets along with Australia, South Africa, and England.” 

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