Former England spinner Monty Panesar has backed the Indian team to end the ICC World Cup trophy hiatus and clinch the coveted T20 World Cup title, and also made a big prediction about India’s failed Virat Kohli. Ahead of the final between the tournament’s two unbeaten teams, India and South Africa, Panesar backed the Rohit Sharma-led team to lift the trophy and predicted Kohli would score a hundred against the Proteas. “India will win the T20 World Cup final and Virat Kohli will score 100,” Panesar told ANI.
After enjoying a fine run of form with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Kohli has been chasing runs with his bat during the ongoing edition of the marquee event. Kohli seems to have lost his rhythm as he opened for the Indian team alongside captain Rohit Sharma.
Kohli ended IPL 2024 with the Orange Cap, amassing an impressive 741 runs at an average of 61.75 and a strike rate of 154.69, with one century and five half-centuries.
But in the ongoing T20 World Cup, Kohli’s record stands in stark contrast to his IPL numbers. In seven matches, Kohli, with all his experience, has struggled to put together a series of performances. He managed just 75 runs at an average of 10.71 throughout the tournament.
The burly batsman momentarily showed a glimpse of getting back into his groove after hitting the ball into the stand at midwicket of Reece Topley.
But the English pacer had the last laugh after dislodging the bails from the stumps, with Kohli trying to push the ball towards the boundary.
Apart from Panesar, Rohit also backed his compatriot to produce a spectacle in Barbados on Saturday against the Proteas.
“He (Kohli) is a quality player. Any player can go through this. We understand his class and we understand his importance in all these big games. Form is never a problem. When you have been playing cricket for 15 years, form is never It’s a problem. He looks good, the intention is there and he’s probably saving for the final. Absolutely (supporting Kohli for the final),” Rohit said in the post-match presentation after India’s 68 win over England in. the semi-final.
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