"It could be a lull before the storm" - Sanjay Bangar on Virat Kohli's lean run in 2024 T20 World Cup
Sanjay Bangar reckons Virat Kohli's lean run in India's first three games in the 2024 T20 World Cup is not a cause for concern. He noted that it could just be a lull before the storm.
Kohli aggregated only five runs in India's first three Group A games, with their fourth match against Canada in Florida on Saturday, June 15, being abandoned without a ball being bowled. Despite the opener's indifferent performances, the Men in Blue have qualified for the Super Eights.
During a discussion on Star Sports, Bangar was asked about his thoughts on Kohli's dismal run.
"He has never opened for India in a T20 World Cup. It's clear that it's a slightly new position and considering the conditions that were there, your first mistake was your last mistake. The batters don't get a second chance here and it has been a challenge for the top-order batters," he responded.
"When it's a match between two evenly matched teams, the opening batters have struggled a little for sure. I don't think there is any cause for worry. It could be a lull before the storm," the former India batting coach added.
Kohli scored one and four in India's first two games against Ireland and Pakistan respectively. He was caught behind for a golden duck off Saurabh Netravalkar's bowling in his last innings against the United States of America.
"They have already said that they want Rishabh Pant to play at No. 3" - Sanjay Bangar on whether India should persist with Virat Kohli as opener
Sanjay Bangar replied in the negative when asked whether India should look to open with Yashasvi Jaiswal and move Virat Kohli to No. 3.
"I don't think they should do that at this stage when they have taken a decision. I feel they might have taken the decision slightly late that they would use Virat Kohli as an opener. Now that they have decided, they won't go back and move away from that. They have already said that they want Rishabh Pant to play at No. 3," he reasoned.
However, the former India all-rounder expects Rohit Sharma and company to play Kuldeep Yadav in place of either Arshdeep Singh or Mohammed Siraj in the Super 8 games in the West Indies.
"I definitely see one change when the matches will be played in the West Indies. Kuldeep Yadav's return is mandatory. He has to come back for someone or the other. He might come in place of a fast bowler because Hardik Pandya is bowling well. Then one of Arshdeep and Mohammed Siraj will have to miss out and you will see the Indian team going with three spinners," Bangar said.
Kuldeep wasn't part of India's playing XI in their first three games. He will potentially replace Siraj in the XI if the Men in Blue look to play three spinners, with Arshdeep likely to be preferred due to his four-wicket haul against the USA and the left-arm angle he provides.