Virat Kohli emerged as India’s standout performer in the 2022 T20 World Cup, despite the team’s semifinal loss to eventual champions England. The Delhi-based batsman amassed an impressive 296 runs in the tournament across six matches, maintaining a remarkable average of 98.67 and an exceptional strike rate of 136.41. His impactful innings, including a match-winning unbeaten 82 off 53 balls against Pakistan, left an indelible mark on cricket enthusiasts.
However, since the semifinal encounter against England, the former Indian captain has not participated in any T20Is. Sanjay Bangar, India’s recent batting coach, expressed his belief that Kohli’s experience will prove invaluable in the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in the West Indies and the USA.
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Sanjay Bangar shared his perspective on the Cricket Basu YouTube channel, stating, “Hundred percent, he should be there in the T20 team. What he did in the previous T20 World Cup and in those close matches, I don’t see the reason why he can’t be seen playing T20 cricket and next year’s T20 World Cup.”
Bangar emphasized the significance of big-match players in high-pressure situations, highlighting Kohli’s contribution during intense encounters, like the India-Pakistan game.
He added, “You know that in big situations where emotions run high, one small mistake could cost you dear. You need big players who have gone through those situations. At that point, it doesn’t really matter what your strike rate is, or what you have done in the IPL; in big games, you require big match players. He (Kohli) showed such spirit in the India-Pakistan game.”
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Kohli’s captivating performance continued in the 2023 Indian Premier League, where he showcased remarkable batting displays. He scored 639 runs in 14 matches for his team and maintained an impressive average of 53.25 and a formidable strike rate of 139.82. The season marked one of his most prolific in the IPL, following his record-setting 973-run campaign in 2016.
Despite Kohli’s illustrious cricket career, which includes winning the ODI World Cup in 2011, he has yet to clinch victory in the 20-over World Cup, a goal that continues to drive him.
