'He’s a king of kings...': Ex-IND cricketer backs struggling Virat Kohli ahead of the T20 WC final

India defeated England by 68 runs in a dramatic semi-final match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 at Providence Stadium. India achieved a competitive total of 171/7 in 20 overs, led by notable performances from Rohit Sharma (57 off 39 deliveries) and Suryakumar Yadav (47 off 36 balls). In response, England fell to India's spinners, with Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav both claiming three wickets, reducing England to 103 all out in 16.4 overs. Axar Patel was named Player of the Match for his all-round effort, capturing three wickets for 23 runs and scoring ten off six balls as India advanced to the final against South Africa. 

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Srikkanth  backs struggling Virat Kohli ahead of the T20 World Cup final

As India is ready to play South Africa in the T20 World Cup final, former cricket player Krishnamachari Srikkanth is unconcerned about Virat Kohli's form. At 10.71 average and 100 strike rate, Kohli has scored just 75 runs in seven innings, his lowest T20 World Cup performance.

One four and three sixes helped Kohli register his highest score of the tournament—37 from 28 balls against Bangladesh. The run-a-ball 24 he produced against Afghanistan was his second-best effort. Among his scores are 1, 4, 0, 0, and 9. Srikkanth calls Kohli the 'king of kings' and is still convinced in his skills in spite of these difficulties. Speaking on Star Sports, Srikkanth said: 

“There’s no problem with Kohli not having a big score. He’s a king of kings my dear friend,”

For the first time in the Twenty20 World Cup, Virat Kohli was slated for starting the innings, a position he has struggled to get used to. Rishabh Pant moved to number three in order to make room for Shivam Dube in the middle order

At 171 runs from seven innings, Pant is India's third-highest scorer going into the final versus South Africa. But in the middle order, Dube has struggled, scoring only 106 runs in as many innings.

The second semi-final saw India beat England by 68 runs to book their spot in the final. The last match is set for Saturday, June 28 in Bridgetown, Barbados' Kensington Oval where Team India will face South Africa.