'He had never played...': BCCI have been WARNED about Virat Kohli's SINKING form in T20 World Cup

In a highly anticipated Group stage clash tomorrow at 8:00 PM in the World T20 2024, India faces off against Canada at the Central Broward Regional Park. With an overwhelming win probability, the Indian team, led by captain Rohit Sharma, has already secured a spot in the Super 8 of the competition after being a dominant force in the T20 World Cup so far. Canada, needs wonders, will look to make a statement against the dominant Indian squad which is unbeatable in the competition so far.

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Mohammad Kaif wants Virat Kohli to bat at No.3 in the ICC T20 World Cup ahead of Canada clash 

Virat Kohli should bat at number three in India's next Twenty20 World Cup games, according to Muhammad Kaif. The Super 8 stage in the West Indies comes after India's next game on Saturday, June 15, against Canada in their last Group A match in Florida.

Together with Rohit Sharma, Kohli opened the group games in New York but struggled, scoring just five runs and going for a golden duck in the most recent game against the United States of America.

Kaif talked on possible areas for India to improve in the remaining stages of the competition during a Star Sports segment. Mohammad Kaif said:

"Virat Kohli should come at No. 3. I am saying that because his numbers at No. 3 for India are fabulous. These are seaming conditions and batting against the new ball has been difficult. So I believe Virat will get a little time. He can analyze the game from outside,"

"For example, Saurabh Netravalkar was bowling and he had never played him earlier. He tried to drive the first ball and got caught behind. When you sit outside, you analyze what the bowlers are trying to do, how the pitch is behaving, and how you can bat," 

Also Read: T20 WC 2024 Points Table: Top Run-getter, wicket taker after AFG vs PNG

Noting Virat Kohli's success as an opener for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the 2024 Indian Premier League, Mohammad Kaif brought attention to the different circumstances in international competitions. With an astounding average of 61.75 and a strike rate of 154.69 over 15 innings, Kohli—who won the Orange Cap in the IPL 2024—accumulated 741 runs. Mohammad Kaif further added: 

“I understand that he opened in the IPL but the conditions were flat in the IPL. They were high-scoring matches where 200 runs were being scored. Virat Kohli was scoring 80-90 while opening there and that is why he is opening here. However, here the conditions are different. The ball is moving a little,”

“I believe he should come to bat after three or four overs and take the game to the end, which Virat Kohli has the mastery in. He calculates and takes the game to the end. We repeatedly show the 2022 game against Pakistan, 28 runs were required off eight balls and Virat Kohli was there at the end,”

Virat Kohli will look to bounce back against Canada as he will look to turn the tides for India in a dominant way for the Super 8, where India will need his heroics to end the nation’s ICC trophy drought since 2013.