As India’s star batter Virat Kohli prepares to take the field in the 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa, the spotlight is shining bright on his recent form. With a paltry 75 runs to his name in seven innings, Kohli’s critics have been quick to question his abilities. However, the 35-year-old’s impressive track record in the T20 World Cup suggests that a big knock is just around the corner.
Kohli’s sole T20 World Cup final appearance was in 2014 against Sri Lanka, where he top-scored for India with a brilliant 77 off 58 deliveries. Although India failed to win the title, Kohli’s performance left a lasting impression, boasting an impressive strike rate of 132.75. His overall T20 World Cup record is nothing short of sensational, with 1,216 runs at an average of 57.90 and a strike rate of 128.81 in 34 outings.
Virat Kohli in T20 2024 (Via Virat Kohli/Twitter)
In fact, Kohli is also the all-time leading scorer in T20 World Cup history, having amassed an incredible 14 half-centuries. Despite his recent struggles, Team India head coach Rahul Dravid believes that Kohli’s intent is what sets him apart. Dravid praised Kohli’s determination, saying, “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 really good six to set the tempo but he was just unlucky that the balls just maybe seamed a little bit more. But I love the intent, I loved the way he went about doing it, sets a great example to the group as well.”
Dravid’s sentiments are echoed by Kohli’s impressive T20 World Cup numbers, which suggest that a big performance is imminent. As India heads into the final, the prospect of Kohli silencing his critics with a commanding knock is a tantalizing prospect.
