"When you get three low scores, it doesn't mean he is not batting well" - Sunil Gavaskar backs Virat Kohli amidst form slump in 2024 T20 World Cup
Former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar has backed star batter Virat Kohli amidst his lack of form in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Kohli has scored only five runs in three innings at a dismal average of 1.66 and a strike rate of 55.55.
His latest outing against the USA saw the champion batter being dismissed for a golden duck. While Team India have won all three matches in the tournament to qualify for the Super Eights, Kohli's poor form at the top of the order has been worrisome.
Talking to Star Sports at the end of the India-USA contest, Gavaskar backed Kohli to come into his own soon.
"When you get three low scores, it doesn't mean he is not batting well. Sometimes you get good deliveries. Any other day, the ball would've gone wide or over the slip for a boundary, today it didn't. So, there's nothing to worry about. We have to show faith in him. Much believe that he is going to come good, sooner rather than later," said Gavaskar.
Kohli is the leading run-scorer in T20 World Cup history with 1,146 runs at an average of 67.41 and a strike rate of 130.52 in 30 games.
"He has done so well for India over the years and won so many games" - Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar reminded fans of Kohli's past exploits and called on the star batter to remain patient and trust his ability.
The 35-year-old entered the ongoing T20 World Cup on the back of a sensational IPL 2024 season. Kohli won the Orange Cap with 741 runs at an average of 61.75 and a strike rate of almost 155 in 15 outings.
"The biggest motivation for any players is to win matches, especially when you are playing for your country. He has done so well for India over the years and won so many games. I think he recognises that. We are in the early phases of the tournament. There's Super 8s, semi-finals, and hopefully the final. All he needs to do is show patience and faith in himself, which i think he has plenty," said Gavaskar in the same discussion.
Despite Kohli's struggles, Team India are on top of Group A with a hat-trick of wins to advance to the next stage.
They will take on Canada in an inconsequential encounter to round off their group stage in Florida on Saturday, June 15.