T20 World Cup 2024: Shivam Dube Comes In The Defense Of Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli, the stalwart of Indian cricket, has encountered a sluggish start in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024, leaving fans anxious about his form. Despite his formidable stature, Kohli's performances in the tournament's initial matches against Ireland, Pakistan, and the USA have been modest, with scores of one, four, and zero, respectively, while opening the innings for India. This dip in form contrasts sharply with Kohli's scintillating display in the IPL 2024 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he secured the coveted orange cap by amassing a remarkable 741 runs in 15 innings. Hopes were high for Kohli to replicate his IPL success on the international stage, yet his performances in the T20 World Cup have left many scratching their heads.

Nevertheless, the defending voice of reassurance comes from none other than Shivam Dube, the versatile all-rounder of Team India. Dube, aged 30, remains unwavering in his support for Kohli, asserting that concerns over the maestro's form are unwarranted. He emphasizes that Kohli's track record speaks volumes about his capabilities, instilling confidence in his ability to bounce back.

Dube's faith in Kohli serves as a reminder of the batsman's resilience and past achievements, offering solace to fans amidst apprehensions about his current form. As the tournament progresses, all eyes remain on Kohli, eager to witness his resurgence and the resurgence of India's campaign in the T20 World Cup.

“There is nothing I can say about Virat Kohli because I'm not Virat Kohli. His bad patch means he got out cheaply a couple of times but will come back scoring hundreds in the next three matches. We all know his game and how he plays,” Shivam Dube said in the press conference.

Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu has weighed in on Virat Kohli's form, asserting that despite the slump, there's no necessity for Kohli to shift to the number 3 batting position. Rayudu emphasized the importance of adhering to the existing team strategies, suggesting that deviating from established plans could be counterproductive. His remarks underline the significance of consistency and trust in the team's approach, even during challenging times. Rayudu's perspective provides insight into the mindset of former players and the nuances of team dynamics, highlighting the need for balance between flexibility and adherence to structured plans in the context of Kohli's form and the team's overall strategy.

"I don't think there's any need to change the combination right now. We saw a great cover drive, and even on the ball that he (Kohli) got dismissed (against Pakistan), he had played a fine shot and just couldn't get the elevation to clear the fielder. The intent he showed was great and if both Virat and Rohit can bat with this intent, then the big days will come when either one of them or both will win India the game one-sided,” Ambati Rayudu said in a recent interview.