India’s star batter Kohli, who entered into the T20 World Cup 2024 on the back of a fantastic IPL season, has failed to make a mark in the competition so far. The right-hander has amassed five runs from three innings against Ireland, Pakistan and USA while opening the batting.
Despite the string of single-digit scores, the legendary Sunil Gavaskar is confident that Kohli will hit the ground running sooner rather than later.
Notably, India on Wednesday (June 12) defeated USA by seven wickets and became the first team to qualify for Super 8s from Group A.
"The biggest motivation for any player is to win matches, especially when you are playing for your country. He has done so well for India over the years and won so many games. I think he recognises that. We are in the early phases of the tournament. There's Super 8s, semi-finals, and hopefully the final. All he needs to do is show patience and faith in himself, which I think he has plenty," Gavaskar said while speaking on Star Sports after India’s win over USA.
During India’s tournament opener against Ireland, Virat Kohli stepped out of his crease and looked to play a big shot but was caught at third man for just 1.
In the game against Pakistan, Kohli started with a glorious cover drive for four but mistimed the next ball to point. However, the real shocker came on Wednesday as he bagged a golden duck while chasing the 6th stump delivery from USA's Saurabh Netravalkar.
Irrespective of the dismissals, Gavaskar feels it's only a matter of time before Kohli starts scoring heaps of runs like always in the big tournaments.
"When you get three low scores, it doesn't mean he is not batting well. Sometimes you get good deliveries. Any other day, the ball would've gone wide or over the slip for a boundary, today it didn't. So, there's nothing to worry about. We have to show faith in him. Much believe that he is going to come good, sooner rather than later," Gavaskar remarked.
Virat Kohli will be next seen in action during India’s last group-stage match against Canada in Florida on Saturday (June 15).
