Virat Kohli’s Struggle in the 2024 T20 World Cup
Virat Kohli has faced a challenging run in the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup. In seven innings, he has managed to score just 75 runs, including two dismissals for duck and no half-century scores. Despite this, the former India captain is eager to seize what could be his last chance to win an ICC trophy.
The Anticipation for the Final
On Saturday, India will face South Africa in the final in Barbados. To build excitement, the ICC posted a grand message for Kohli, highlighting the significance of the match. The post read: “The last jewel remains missing from the crown of the king. Virat Kohli is one step away from #T20WorldCup glory.” This post reflects the high anticipation surrounding Kohli’s potential triumph.
Stuart Broad’s Jibe
However, not everyone was supportive. Veteran England fast bowler Stuart Broad responded to the ICC’s post with a brutal jibe, writing “IPL?”, referring to Kohli’s 17-year trophy drought in the Indian Premier League. Broad later deleted the post, but the remark had already stirred reactions.
Kohli’s ICC Trophy Pursuit
Kohli has a history of near misses with the T20 World Cup. India won the trophy only once in 2007 under MS Dhoni, before Kohli’s international debut. Kohli’s closest opportunities came in 2014, when India lost to Sri Lanka in the final, and in 2016, when they were defeated by the West Indies in the semifinal. More recently, in 2022, India fell to Jos Buttler’s England in the semifinals. Kohli was also part of India’s victorious teams in the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy.
Kohli’s Current Form
Kohli’s performance in this tournament has been disappointing, especially after his stellar show in IPL 2024 with RCB, where he scored 741 runs to win the Orange Cap. His highest score in this T20 World Cup has been 37 against Bangladesh in the Super Eight stage. With India looking to end their ICC trophy drought, they will need Kohli to deliver a top performance in the final against South Africa.
Conclusion
Saturday’s final in Barbados presents a significant opportunity for Kohli to add the missing jewel to his crown. Despite a forgettable tournament so far, the stakes are high, and the anticipation for his potential victory is palpable. Will Kohli rise to the occasion and lead India to glory? Only time will tell.(Dubai7 realmoneygame)