'People Like Kohli, Tendulkar, Dravid...': Sourav Ganguly Cites 'World Cup of 700 Runs' to Defend Virat's Slump in Form

Virat Kohli is undergoing a major dip in form at the ongoing T20 World Cup where in seven innings he has mustered 75 runs with 37 of them coming against Bangladesh. Kohli’s unusual run was preceded by a superb IPL 2024 where he scored over 700 runs to win the Orange Cap.

Alongside captain Rohit Sharma, Kohli has been the designated opener for India at the T20I showpiece and with someone like Yashasvi Jaiswal warming the benches during the event, questions over the batting superstar’s place are bound to follow.

Also Read: ‘Rohit Sharma Wasn’t Ready to Captain’

However, India legend Sourav Ganguly has rejected any suggestion that Kohli shouldn’t open in the competition citing how he scored over 700 runs at the 2023 ODI World Cup and that as a human, a period of slump is inevitable and people should accept it.

“Virat should continue to open. He just had a World Cup of 700 runs seven months ago. He is human. Sometimes, he will also fail, and you have to accept it,” Ganguly was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

Ganguly cited the examples of legendary batters like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid in Kohli’s defense.

“People like Kohli, Tendulkar, Dravid, they are institutions for Indian cricket. Three-four matches don’t make them weaker players. Don’t rule him out in the final tomorrow,” Ganguly said.

Against England in the semi-final on Thursday, Kohli managed run-a-ball 9 before being bowled by Reece Topley but India captain Rohit Sharma has backed him to come good in the final where they face South Africa.

“He (Kohli) is a quality player. Any player can go through (dip in form) that. We do understand his class and we do understand his importance in all these big games. Form is never a problem. When you’ve played cricket for 15 years, form is never a problem. He’s looking good, the intent is there, he’s probably saving for the final,” Rohit said.

Stay updated with the latest from T20 World Cup 2024. Explore T20 World Cup Match Today. Check Updated list of Highest-run getters and Highest Wicket-Takers In T20 World Cup 2024. Check T20 World Cup 2024 Points Table and players with the Most Sixes, Most Fours , Most Fifties And Most HundredsIn T20 World Cup 2024.