‘We all know his game’ - Shivam Dube comes to Virat Kohli's defence following rough patch in T20 World Cup

Ace India batter Virat Kohli has been unable to go big in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 so far. Opening the innings for India, Kohli has scored one, four, and zero against Ireland, Pakistan, and the USA, respectively. His lacklustre starts have the fans worried about his form. 

Kohli came into the T20 World Cup after a sensational campaign for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL (Indian Premier League) 2024, scoring 741 runs in 15 innings to win the IPL orange cap. While he was expected to perform similarly for India, he has been unable to do so it so far.

However, team India all-rounder Shivam Dube has come forward to Virat Kohli’s defence. The 30-year-old opined that he is not worried in the slightest about Kohli’s form, as everyone knows what the ace batter is capable of.

“There is nothing I can say about Virat Kohli because I'm not Virat Kohli. His bad patch means he got out cheaply a couple of times but will come back scoring hundreds in the next three matches. We all know his game and how he plays,” Dube said.

I don't think there's any need to change the combination right now: Ambati Rayudu

Recently, former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu also talked about Virat Kohli’s form, and despite the dip, he opined that there is no need for Kohli to come and bat at number 3. He stated that the Indian team should stick to the plans that have been put in place. 

"I don't think there's any need to change the combination right now. We saw a great cover drive, and even on the ball that he (Kohli) got dismissed (against Pakistan), he had played a fine shot and just couldn't get the elevation to clear the fielder. The intent he showed was great and if both Virat and Rohit can bat with this intent, then the big days will come when either one of them or both will win India the game one-sided,” Rayudu said.