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Harsha Bhogle’s Analysis Sparks Debate: Virat Kohli’s T20 Comeback Innings Scrutinized
By CricShots - Jan 16, 2024 11:53 am
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Star Indian batsman Virat Kohli marked his return to T20Is after 14 months, featuring in the second T20I against Afghanistan at Holkar Stadium, Indore, on Sunday, January 14. Kohli’s comeback was met with anticipation, and he stepped in early in the first over after captain Rohit Sharma’s consecutive duck. Displaying good form, the New Delhi-born cricketer played with intent but was dismissed for 29(16) in the sixth over.

Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli

India secured victory by six wickets, with stellar performances from Shivam Dube (63* off 32) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (68 off 34). Commentator Harsha Bhogle analyzed Kohli’s innings, acknowledging its significance in a T20 context. He emphasized that a quick cameo, like Kohli’s, is more valuable than a 50(40) in a chase exceeding 170 runs.

Bhogle took to social media to share his thoughts, stating, “Kohli’s innings of 29(16) will draw diverse comments because of his stature. From a T20 perspective, it was exactly the kind of innings a team wants. One of six batters scored more than a sixth of the runs at a SR > asking rate. But because he is a great player, we expect more and think it was underwhelming.”

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“A 29(16) from Jaiswal or Gill will be more acceptable though it should really be seen the same way. The 29(16) approach will produce, say a 60(33) a few times. It is admirable that at this stage of his career Kohli is actually challenging himself in the shortest form. 29(16) is a better innings than 50(40) in a 170+ run chase,” he continued.

However, Bhogle’s remarks sparked controversy, facing backlash from fans who criticized him for seemingly targeting Kohli. Notably, Kohli’s T20 approach has been a subject of scrutiny since the T20 World Cup 2022 semi-final against England, where he scored 50(40), contributing to India’s below-par total of 168/6.

Since then, Kohli has faced criticism, but his track record as the leading run-scorer in T20Is (4037 runs) and T20 World Cup (1141 runs) speaks volumes about his prowess.

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While some fans defended Kohli’s greatness in responses to Bhogle’s comments, the discussion around Kohli’s approach in T20Is continues. The Indian cricket maestro’s ability to deliver under pressure has been proven time and again, earning him accolades and cementing his status as a true cricketing legend.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tags cricket controversyHarsha BhogleIndia vs AfghanistannetizensT20 Cricketvirat kohli

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