Virat Kohli has faced challenges in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024, scoring just 75 runs in seven matches. Despite his formidable track record, his performance has been lacklustre.

However, the Indian team has maintained an unbeaten streak under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, demonstrating their strength even without significant contributions from Kohli. The Men in Blue now face South Africa in the all-important final.

Mohammad Kaif Suggests Virat Kohli to Mirror MS Dhoni

Ahead of the summit clash, former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has been optimistic about Kohli’s potential to shine in the final against South Africa. Drawing parallels to MS Dhoni’s pivotal performance in the 2011 World Cup final, Kaif believes Kohli can replicate that heroism and make a decisive impact in the upcoming match.

“Virat Kohli needs to remember that even Dhoni didn’t have a great World Cup in 2011, but he found form in the final. Small suggestion: He is too good a player to slog; he can play the ball on merit and dominate any bowling attack. Mahendra Singh Dhoni was out of form in the 2011 ODI World Cup. He played an unbeaten 91-run knock in the final. His six over long-on off Kulasekhara is etched in everybody’s mind. That’s why I think Virat Kohli has a great chance to become a hero,” Kaif said in his social media post.

Strategic Approach for the Final Against South Africa

Kaif advised Kohli to focus on playing each ball on its merit, avoiding risky shots. This strategic approach would allow Kohli to anchor the innings, creating a solid foundation for aggressive players like Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma.

“So I think in the final, he should play the ball on merit with proper cricket shots, he should not slog by exposing his wicket. He’s a great player. Players like Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, and Suryakumar Yadav should play fast, and Virat Kohli should play the full 20 overs and play the ball on merit,” the 43-year-old added.

A Chance for Redemption

As India prepare to face South Africa at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown on Saturday (29th June), Kohli has the opportunity to end an 11-year title drought for India. Kaif further suggested Kohli should draw inspiration from his past performances, including his 49th ODI century against South Africa, and channel that confidence into the final. This match presents a pivotal moment for Kohli to reaffirm his legacy on the world stage.

“He must forget that he is in poor form. He hit a century when India last played South Africa in the ODI World Cup at Eden Gardens. He was brilliant that day and played very well, but he wasn’t slogging; he was playing the ball on merit with proper cricket shots,” Kaif concluded.