"He is not out of form, he is just out of runs right now" - Aakash Chopra on Virat Kohli failing again in IND vs USA 2024 T20 World Cup clash
Aakash Chopra believes Virat Kohli is in form even though runs have not flowed from his willow in the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup. The former India captain was caught behind off Saurabh Netravalkar's bowling for a first-ball duck in the Men in Blue's clash against the United States of America.
The USA set India a 111-run target after being asked to bat first in New York on Wednesday, June 12. Although Kohli failed to open his account, the Group A table-toppers registered a seven-wicket win with 10 deliveries to spare to book their berth in the Super Eights.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra reflected on Kohli and Rohit Sharma's early dismissals in India's chase. As for the former, he said (4:50).
"In the run chase, Virat Kohli got out in the first over itself. It's been three matches and Virat has been dismissed off deliveries outside off-stump all three times - once in the deep off Mark Adair's bowling, once at point off Naseem Shah's bowling, and Saurabh Netravalkar here."
However, the former India opener noted that he isn't concerned about Kohli's lean run in the first three games.
"You think whether everything is right. I was saying before the last match as well and I am saying after this match too that I am not worried. I am bullish that Virat Kohli will score runs as he is not out of form, he is just out of runs right now," Chopra stated.
Kohli has aggregated a paltry five runs in three innings in the ongoing T20 World Cup. Before his golden duck against the USA, he was dismissed for one and four against Ireland and Pakistan respectively.
"I feel Virat Kohli will score runs there" - Aakash Chopra on India's next game in Florida
Aakash Chopra pointed out that Virat Kohli was in outstanding form in IPL 2024 and opined that he should be back among the runs in India's next game against Canada in Florida.
"He went there with the form of more than 700 runs. His bat hasn't struck the ball that well here, runs haven't come from the bat, but the story has ended here. Now they will be going to Lauderhill, which means when the match happens in Florida, we will be alright there. I feel Virat Kohli will score runs there," he said in the same video (5:25).
Turning his attention to Rohit Sharma, the reputed commentator noted that the Indian skipper fell prey to a left-arm seamer once again.
"Rohit Sharma once again got out against a left-arm seamer. He got caught in the deep off Shaheen Shah Afridi's bowling and here got caught at mid-off off Saurabh Netravalkar's bowling, and you say what's happening," Chopra observed.
However, Chopra was convinced that Rohit, much like Kohli, would score runs in other venues.
"Don't worry about him also. He scored a fifty in the first match. Runs haven't come in two matches. Don't worry, just like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma will also leave here with folded hands that he won't return and go and score runs elsewhere, which will be scored," he stated.
Rohit scored 52 runs in India's T20 World Cup opener against Ireland. However, he has aggregated 16 runs in his last two innings, including a six-ball three against the USA.