New Delhi: Team India will be looking to avoid a repeat of the 2023 ODI World Cup final when they lock horns with red-hot South Africa in the highly-anticipated summit clash of the T20 World Cup 2024 on Saturday, June 29. India had made it to the final unbeaten in the ODI World Cup last year but failed to go the distance after a shattering defeat against Australia in the final.
India will be hoping there is a twist in the script this time around as they aim to end their long-standing ICC trophy drought with a second T20 World Cup title. Much has changed since 2023 as India have not only transformed their approach in the shortest format but have also managed to nail a team that has produced consistent results and look worthy of a champion side.
India have enjoyed a near-flawless campaign in the T20 World Cup 2024 so far. Barring their scrappy win against USA, the Men in Blue have managed to dismantle opponents and left, right and centre as they stand just one win away from clinching glory. While their bowlers have outperformed other teams comfortably, the batters have managed to stand up under pressure.
Rohit Sharma has led the charge in batting with his whirlwind approach up top while the likes of Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya have all made significant contributions. Axar Patel has shone as an all-rounder while Jasprit Bumrah has been sensational with the ball. Bumrah has enjoyed great support from the likes of Kuldeep Yadav and Arshdeep Singh.
However, India have one major concern heading into the final – Virat Kohli’s form. The senior batter has failed to fire in the tournament so far and has been struggling for consistency. Kohli headed into the tournament on the back of a prolific season in IPL 2024 where he finished as the highest run-getter. However, he has failed to replicate his heroics in the T20 World Cup 2024.
Virat Kohli – India’s only major concern
Kohli has arguably been one of the biggest disappointments for India in the T20 World Cup 2024 so far. The senior batter has so far managed to notch up only 75 runs in seven innings in what has been a forgetful campaign for him. Kohli has two ducks and as many as three single-digit scores in the tournament so far and has failed to score even a single fifty.
He has looked completely out of sorts and far from his best in a competition that he has dominated over the years, a clear indication that this might be his T20 World Cup swansong for India. In the semi-final against England, Kohli got off to a start but was cleaned up two balls after hitting a six by Reece Topley as he was dismissed cheaply on just 9 off 9 balls.
It was the first time Kohli failed to notch up a half-century in a T20 World Cup semi-final, having gone past the 50-run mark in all of his three semi-final appearances in the tournament in the past. However, despite his dismal run in the competition so far, a player of Kohli’s calibre cannot be ruled out in a big game like a World Cup final.
The Indian team management will be hoping Kohli has saved his best for the last and can do what MS Dhoni did in the 2011 ODI World Cup final. in the final against the Proteas in Barbados on Saturday. If Kohli manages to fire all cylinders, India’s chance of lifting the trophy will increase dramatically.
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Team India have one huge concern to deal with ahead of the highly-anticipated final against South Africa at the Kensington Oval, Barbados in the T20 World Cup 2024 on Saturday. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
