'24 off 24, you can say that’s not great...': Brian Lara speaks on Virat Kohli's difficulties vs AFG

In a thrilling encounter at the Kensington Oval in Barbados, India emerged victorious against Afghanistan in the ICC T20 World Cup Super 8 match by 47 runs. India posted a challenging total of 181/8 in their 20 overs, with Suryakumar Yadav shining with a brilliant 53 off just 28 balls. The Indian bowlers then put up a fantastic performance, with Jasprit Bumrah leading the pack with impressive figures of 3/7 in 4 overs. Afghanistan, chasing 182, could only manage 134 all out in their 20 overs. It was a complete team effort from India, setting a high standard for the rest of the tournament on the Caribbean turf.

Brian Lara backs Virat Kohli after continuing to struggle in T20 World Cup

The well-known West Indian cricketer Brian Lara has backed Virat Kohli in the face of criticism over his performance in the Twenty20 World Cup. When India plays Bangladesh in Antigua next, Lara thinks Kohli will settle into his groove.

In their most recent encounter, on June 20, in Bridgetown against Afghanistan, Kohli scored a plodding 24 runs. Following three consecutively poor scores against Ireland, Pakistan, and the USA came this innings.

Lara expressed confidence that the Indian veteran is about to regain his form and emphasised the need for Kohli spending time at the crease in his interview with Star Sports. Brian Lara said: 

“24 off 24, you can say that’s not great but the most important thing is that he spent some time out there. India has got one step closer to winning this trophy. I believe that Virat Kohli is just gonna go from strength to strength as he comes down to the Caribbean. He’s going to Antigua next, you’re gonna see him go out there and plough and plough, he’s gonna get runs,”

 "When he gets into full swing, it’s a different story. We just have to be very patient with him, we’re gonna see a lot of him there’s still a lot of games left in this World Cup," 

Through his cool innings, Virat Kohli displayed encouraging indications of returning to form. A definite sign of his comeback, the 35-year-old cricket player blasted a strong straight six off Naveen-ul-Haq's bowling.

With reference to Kohli's performance, Brian Lara shared the patience and optimism that the star Indian batsman is getting closer to being his normal menacing self which we last saw in the IPL 2024.

On Saturday, June 22, at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua, India plays their arch-rivals Bangladesh. Bangladesh recently lost to Australia by 28 (DLS Method).