'I love the way he went about doing it' - Rahul Dravid highlights Virat Kohli's intent as world turns against his dismal T20 World Cup show

Virat Kohli has been hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons as the star batter has struggled while opening for India at the T20 World Cup 2024. The right-handed batter has managed just 75 runs in eight games with his highest score being 37 against Bangladesh. The Indian team management has been under intense scrutiny as there are demands to provide him with his designated third spot while promoting Rishabh Pant to the opener’s role. 

It has been a longstanding habit of Head Coach, Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma to maintain the homogeneity in the playing XI. Looking at their SOP, it is hard to reimagine a tweak in the final against South Africa. But Dravid has shown faith in the former India captain to deliver big in the penultimate clash and termed a high-risk brand of cricket standing in the way of Kohli and his conventional self.

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"You know with Virat, the thing is, when you play a slightly high risk brand of cricket there can be times when it doesn't come off. Even today, I thought he hit a really good six to set the tempo but he was just unlucky that the ball seamed a little bit more. But I love the intent, I love the way he went about doing it,” said Dravid as quoted by NDTV Sports.

“And for some reason, I don't want to jinx it but I think there's a big one coming up. I'm just loving his attitude and that he's committing himself on the field - I think he deserves it,” he added.

Kohli is probably saving for the finals: Rohit Sharma

Not only Kohli, Rohit also looked off the radar in the tournament's group stages. He made a resounding comeback by scoring a quickfire 92 off 41 deliveries against mighty Australia. He has since maintained his mojo and notched up a crucial 57 off 39 against England in the semifinal. After the game, Rohit backed the quality Kohli brings and affirmed that the World Cup Final is his stage.

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"He's a quality player. Any player can go through that. But again, we do understand his class and we do understand his importance in all these big games. Form is never a problem because when you have played cricket for 15 years, form is never a problem. I thought he's looking good. The intent is there. It's probably saving for the finals,” said Rohit.