Despite being in top form in the 2024 IPL, Virat Kohli has failed to live up to expectations in the ongoing T20 World Cup. Team India's batting coach Vikram Rathour has admitted his concern about Kohli's lack of runs, but believes facing challenges can be beneficial for players. Despite Kohli's performance, India's success in the tournament has been largely due to their middle-order stepping up and delivering strong performances, leaving Rathour overall satisfied. Stay updated on the latest news and join via WhatsApp to never miss an update from Odisha Television Limited.
Virat Kohli's Struggles in the T20 World Cup: Despite Stellar IPL Performance
Virat Kohli, India's batting mainstay and former captain, has been facing a slump in form in the ongoing T20 World Cup. Kohli entered the tournament on the back of an impressive Indian Premier League (IPL) season with Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he was the second-highest run-scorer with 634 runs in 16 matches.
However, Kohli's form has been a cause for concern in the World Cup. He has managed just 119 runs in five innings, with his highest score being 44 against arch-rivals Pakistan. Kohli's struggles have put pressure on India's middle order and have raised questions about his place in the team.
Team Concern
India's batting coach, Vikram Rathour, has expressed his concerns about Kohli's form. "We need to work with Virat and try to find ways to get him back to scoring runs," Rathour said after India's defeat against South Africa. "Sometimes these challenges are good for players, they make you stronger mentally."
Despite Kohli's struggles, Rathour remains optimistic about India's chances in the tournament. "The team is playing well, the batting has been good, and the bowling has been very good," he said. "We just need to be a little more consistent."
Middle Order Resilience
While Kohli has failed to live up to expectations, India's middle order has stepped up and delivered strong performances. Suryakumar Yadav has been in imperious form, scoring 218 runs in five innings, while Hardik Pandya has made key contributions with both bat and ball.
"The middle order has been outstanding," Rathour said. "They have taken the pressure off Virat, and they have won us games."
FAQs
Q1. Why has Virat Kohli struggled in the T20 World Cup? A1. Kohli has been facing a loss of form and technical issues, including a lack of timing and decision-making in shot selection.
Q2. Is Virat Kohli's place in the team at risk? A2. Despite his current form, Kohli remains a key player for India due to his experience and leadership qualities. However, if his struggles continue, his place could be under review.
Q3. Has Kohli ever struggled for form before? A3. Yes, Kohli experienced a slump in form in 2014-15, but he bounced back and regained his status as one of the best batsmen in the world.
Q4. What can Kohli do to regain form? A4. Kohli needs to work on his technical issues and regain his confidence. He can also benefit from seeking support from his teammates and coaches.
Q5. What are India's chances of winning the T20 World Cup despite Kohli's struggles? A5. India's chances remain strong due to the resilience of their middle order and the overall balance of the team. However, Kohli's return to form would significantly boost their title prospects.
18-year-old D Gukesh, who made history as the youngest ever world chess champion, has his sights set on seeing chess become an Olympic sport. At a recent felicitation ceremony in New Delhi, Gukesh expressed his desire for chess to be included in the Olympics, especially if it's in India. The President of India honored him with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, making him just the second chess player after Viswanathan Anand to receive the prestigious award. Despite achieving great success at a young age, Gukesh remains determined to continue working hard and bringing more accolades to his country.
After a disappointing first day for both teams, Pakistan and West Indies are gearing up to give their fans an exciting match in the 1st Test in Multan. Pakistan's bowlers will look to take early wickets and put pressure on the West Indies batting line-up, while the visitors will aim to solidify their position and put up a strong total. Stay tuned for live updates and commentary as the two teams battle it out on Day 2.
As the WSL returns, Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor is determined to close the points gap between his team and reigning champions Chelsea by winning every game in the second half of the season. This weekend's derby clash against Manchester United on Sunday and League Cup game on Wednesday will be crucial in their pursuit. Despite a challenging schedule and injuries, Taylor believes his squad is up for the challenge.
Rising UFC lightweight star Arman Tsarukyan has been forced to withdraw from his scheduled title bout against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 due to a back injury. Despite the disappointment, Tsarukyan remains grateful for the support from fans and the understanding shown by the UFC. With Renato Moicano stepping in on short notice, the question remains whether Tsarukyan will still have a shot at the title once he is fully recovered or if he will need to earn another opportunity.
Top-ranked UFC fighters Merab Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov will face off in the first title fight of 2025, with Dvalishvili defending his bantamweight gold against undefeated challenger Nurmagomedov in a heated grudge match. Both fighters successfully made weight for the championship fight, with Nurmagomedov entering as the favored betting choice. The event will take place at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, and MMA fans can follow along on the MMA Junkie Instagram and YouTube channels for coverage and discussion.
The UFC lightweight title fight between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan was highly anticipated, but a last-minute injury forced Tsarukyan to withdraw. Veteran fighter Renato Moicano stepped up to take his place, leaving Makhachev to adjust his game plan. Despite the unexpected change, Makhachev is determined to defend his title and prove his dominance in the lightweight division.
In a Betway SA20 match at Kingsmead in Durban, Durban's Super Giants faced off against Sunrisers Eastern Cape. Despite a great performance from Noor Ahmad, who claimed a superb 4/25, Sunrisers still managed to amass a challenging 165 for five thanks to the contributions of Zak Crawley and David Bedingham. However, Noor's bowling proved to be a major threat as he took wickets in crucial moments, ultimately leading to Durban's Super Giants' loss.
Ahead of India's squad announcement for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, ODI captain Rohit Sharma has been honing his skills through rigorous training sessions. Despite a poor performance in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, Sharma remains a top pick for the team and has been seen practicing with his Mumbai Indians teammates, including captain Hardik Pandya. India's batting machinery will rely on Sharma's white-ball touch and remarkable track record in the upcoming tournament.
Pakistan's struggles in the first test match against West Indies were compounded by a rain delay and poor lighting. After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Pakistan lost four wickets in just 13.3 overs and were struggling at 46 for 4. However, Saudi Shakil (56) and Mohammad Rizwan (51) managed to steady the innings and take the team to 143 for 4 when play was stopped due to bad light. West Indies' bowler Jaden Seales was the most successful in the first day, taking 3 wickets for 21 runs in 10 overs.
Pakistan and West Indies face off in the first Test of the two-match series in Multan, with Pakistan currently holding a strong position in the 2023-25 cycle of the World Test Championship. Despite a recent defeat in South Africa, Pakistan aims to continue their winning streak at home after a successful series against England. West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite is determined to put up a strong fight and end their previous record of finishing in eighth place in the WTC.