"Don't want to jinx it but I think there's a big one coming up" - Rahul Dravid backs Virat Kohli to bounce back in 2024 T20 World Cup final
Team India head coach Rahul Dravid predicted a big score from the blade of star batter Virat Kohli in the 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa in Barbados on June 29. After a sensational IPL 2024 season, the 35-year-old was expected to deliver match-winning performances in the ongoing T20 World Cup.
However, Kohli has endured a horrific tournament so far, scoring a mere 75 runs at an average of 10.71 and a strike rate of 100 in seven outings. Despite his struggles, India have remained unbeaten in the competition, winning all seven games entering the summit clash.
Speaking to Star Sports after their dominant win over England in the semi-final, Dravid has praised Kohli's intent and feels he deserves a big score in the grand finale.
"I love the intent, I love the way he went about doing it," Dravid said. "It sets a good example for the group as well if he's willing to do it. And you know, for some reason, I don't want to jinx it but I think there's a big one coming up. I'm just loving his attitude and that he's committing himself on the field - I think he deserves it."
Virat Kohli's dominance in overall T20Is is reflected by the fact that he averages over 48 in the format despite his poor showing in the ongoing World Cup. The champion batter has recorded two ducks and five single-digit scores in his seven innings so far in this year's mega event.
"He was just unlucky that the ball seemed a little bit more" - Rahul Dravid on Virat Kohli's dismissal vs England
Rahul Dravid believes Virat Kohli was unfortunate to get out in the semi-final against England after smashing a magnificent six just a couple of deliveries earlier.
The stylish batter was on only one from 6 balls when he nonchalantly flicked a maximum over deep mid-wicket off Reece Topley. However, Kohli went for another hoick down the leg side only to be cleaned up two balls later.
"You know with Virat, the thing is, when you play a slightly high-risk brand of cricket there can be times when it doesn't come off. Even today, I thought he hit a good 6 to set the tempo but he was just unlucky that the ball seemed a little bit more," said Dravid in the aforementioned chat.
Kohli was India's top-scorer with a 58-ball 77 the last time they played a T20 World Cup final in 2014 against Sri Lanka. Even as he is in the midst of arguably his worst run in T20Is, the veteran batter averages a stellar 57.90 in 34 T20 World Cup outings.