“The complete turnaround actually saved Virat Kohli’s innings”- Sanjay Manjrekar’s bold claim on strike rate after T20 World Cup final

Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar believes the Indian bowlers saved Virat Kohli’s innings. Manjrekar feels Kohli’s knock of 59-ball 76 (strike rate of 128) would have been questioned if India had lost the World Cup final against South Africa at Barbados on Saturday.

The renowned cricket analyst said he would have given the Player of the Match to a bowler. South Africa was in a winning position as they needed a run-a-ball 30 but the Indian bowlers – Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Hardik Pandya – were able to get their team back into the contest.

Hardik Pandya got the big wickets of well-settled Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller whereas Bumrah conceded only six runs in his last two overs and also accounted for Marco Jansen. Pandya returned with impressive figures of 3-20 in the three overs he bowled whereas Bumrah bagged 2-18 in his four overs quota.

Sanjay Manjrekar said on ESPN Cricinfo, “India were in a losing position, 90 percent winning chances (for South Africa). The complete turnaround actually saved Virat Kohli’s innings because he played virtually half the innings with a strike-rate of 128. My Player of the Match would’ve been a bowler because they actually took the game from the jaws of defeat and won it for India.”

Manjrekar further added that Kohli’s knock would have put India in a tight corner as Hardik Pandya faced only two balls.

“By playing that innings, Hardik Pandya, one of their most devastating batters, had just two balls to face. So I thought India’s batting was good, but Virat Kohli had potentially played an innings that would’ve put India in a tight corner. And it almost proved to be that, before these guys’ bowlers came in the end.”

Kohli was awarded Player of the Match for his knock and decided to hang his boots from T20Is after India’s World Cup victory.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

“Never expected a very easy run” – Gautam Gambhir reflects on his tenure as coach after IND vs NZ 2024 Test series defeat

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has admitted that he never expected a very easy run… Read More

October 31, 2024

Probably has a lot to do with playing on flat wickets in T20 – Gautam Gambhir on decline of good defensive technique in Test cricket

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir feels T20 cricket has led to the downfall of a… Read More

October 31, 2024

India needs Mumbai Test win before Australia tour – Gautam Gambhir

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir feels the Rohit Sharma-led team desperately needs to win the… Read More

October 31, 2024

I cannot say just the batters have let us down – Gautam Gambhir feels everyone should take responsibility for series loss against New Zealand

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir refused to blame the batters after the team’s 2-0 series… Read More

October 31, 2024

It was insane – Bronny James after scoring his first NBA bucket

Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James was on cloud nine after he managed to score… Read More

October 31, 2024

I’m happy with my team’s performance: Mohun Bagan SG head coach Jose Molina after win against Hyderabad FC

Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Jose Molina was delighted with the team’s performance after… Read More

October 31, 2024