Former Indian all-rounder Sanjay Bangar has backed Virat Kohli to bounce back after a slow start in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. Kohli has managed only five runs in the first three matches, returning with scores of 1,4, and 0, and thus has failed to deliver the goods in the ongoing T20I showpiece.
However, Virat Kohli was once again at his absolute best for RCB, scoring 741 runs in 15 innings at an average of 61.75 and a strike rate of 154.69 in IPL 2024. The right-hander also ended as the highest run-getter of the tournament.
Kohli was opening the innings for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL but Bangar noted that the talisman has never opened in the T20 World Cup.
“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,” Sanjay Bangar said on Star Sports.
“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.
The team management has confirmed that Rishabh Pant will bat at one down. Pant scored a crucial knock of 42 runs off 31 balls against Pakistan.
“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.
The former Indian batting coach feels Kuldeep Yadav should be in the playing XI in the West Indies conditions. Yadav bagged 16 wickets in 11 matches in IPL 2024 but hasn’t received a chance in the playing XI in the World Cup.
“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.
India will begin their Super 8 campaign against Afghanistan at the Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados on Thursday.
