Virat Kohli’s profound influence on Indian cricket transcends formats, his leadership, and winning aura defining his captaincy era. However, as the Indian team navigates through a transitional phase, Kohli’s absence from T20Is for over nine months has raised questions about his role in the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA. Sanjay Bangar, former India batting coach, has provided a clear answer to this speculation, emphasizing that there’s no reason to exclude Kohli from the final 15.
Sanjay Bangar pointed to Kohli’s heroics in the previous T20 World Cup, particularly in crucial matches, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. The iconic clash against Pakistan exemplified Kohli’s match-winning prowess, as he steered India to victory with a stellar display.
“Without a doubt, he should be part of the T20 team. His performances in the previous T20 World Cup and in those tense matches make a compelling case for his inclusion. There’s no reason why he can’t play T20 cricket and participate in next year’s T20 World Cup,” Sanjay Bangar stated on the ‘Cricket Basu’ YouTube channel.
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Bangar stressed the significance of experienced players in high-stakes games where a single mistake can be costly. He cited Kohli’s spirited performance against Pakistan as evidence of his ability to excel in pressure situations, transcending mere strike rates or IPL records.
Batting at the highest level, according to Sanjay Bangar, isn’t solely about boundaries; it also involves quick singles and twos. Kohli’s prowess in finding gaps and rotating the strike gives him an edge over his peers.
“Every player has their own style of scoring, and power-hitting isn’t the only way to win a game. Virat Kohli is a batsman who can score a century without hitting sixes. He has demonstrated this ability. In a match against Gujarat Titans, he didn’t hit a single six but still managed a century. His shots were grounded, a testament to his exceptional skills,” Sanjay Bangar explained.
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As Kohli continues to evolve and adapt, his indispensability to the Indian T20 squad remains a strong argument, both for his cricketing prowess and his leadership qualities that guide the team through intense encounters.
