Former India bowler Harbhajan Singh has defended Virat Kohli amidst his poor start in the 2024 T20 World Cup, citing the challenging batting conditions at New York’s Nassau County International Cricket Stadium. Harbhajan emphasized that it would be unfair to judge Kohli’s performance based on such a pitch.
– England Vs West Indies on 20th June.
– England Vs South Africa on 21st June.
– West Indies Vs South Africa on 24th June.THE GROUP 2 WILL WITNESS DESTRUCTION IN THE COMING WEEK. 🥶 pic.twitter.com/LR3xYagbYO
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 16, 2024
Harbhajan Singh Backs Virat Kohli To Perform In Super 8
Kohli has managed only five runs in the tournament so far: 1 against Ireland, 4 against Pakistan, and a golden duck against the USA. Harbhajan also called for greater consistency from the Indian batting lineup.
“I do not want to judge anyone on that pitch (New York pitch) as batting was difficult on that pitch,” said Harbhajan, while speaking on Star Sports.
“Virat Kohli didn’t score runs because the conditions were like that,” said Harbhajan. “You cannot judge a player in those conditions,” he added.
Harbhajan highlighted the importance of partnerships at the top of the order to establish a strong foundation for the middle order.
“Runs are expected from Virat Kohli. We also need to consistently see partnerships that we aren’t getting in the first six overs. Then your middle order is set. Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube have scored runs,” said Harbhajan.
Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube played crucial roles in India’s win against the USA. After a shaky start at 39-3, Suryakumar hit a composed half-century, while Dube remained unbeaten on 31.
Kohli will have another opportunity to find his form as India moves from New York to Lauderhill, Florida, ahead of the Super 8 stage.
India has already secured their spot in the Super 8 of the 2024 T20 World Cup, having won all three of their matches in New York against Ireland, Pakistan, and the USA.
In the Super 8, India faces Australia and Afghanistan, with Bangladesh likely to be the fourth team in their group.
