Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar stated that Indian bowlers “saved” Virat Kohli in the T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa where the right-handed batter scored 76 runs on 59 balls.
He also stated that his Player of the Match would have been a bowler instead of… pic.twitter.com/OqkDT15H0n
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Sanjay Manjrekar Feels Bowlers Saved Virat Kohli
“By playing that innings, Hardik Pandya, one of their most devastating batters, had just two balls to face. So I thought India’s batting was good, but Virat Kohli had potentially played an innings that would’ve put India in a tight corner. And it almost proved to be that, before these guys’ bowlers came in the end,” Manjrekar told ESPNCricinfo.
“India were in a losing position, 90 percent winning chances (for South Africa). The complete turnaround actually saved Virat Kohli’s innings because he played virtually half the innings with a strike-rate of 128. My Player of the Match would’ve been a bowler because they actually took the game from the jaws of defeat and won it for India,” he added.
As Rohit and Co. won the thrilling finale by 7 runs, India ended an over-a-decade long ICC title drought.
The 2024 T20 World Cup title is now India’s second in the format. In the inaugural 2007 edition, India won the title under the leadership of legendary MS Dhoni.
Also Read: Pakistan Opener Mohd Rizwan Opens Up After Disappointing T20 World Cup Campaign