'It does not mean he is not batting well' - Sunil Gavaskar backs Virat Kohli to come good in later stages of T20 World Cup 2024

Star India batter Virat Kohli is having a poor run with the bat in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. He has played three innings and has managed to fetch just five runs while opening in all the games. Kohli has predominantly batted at the number three position for India, this tournament marks the first instance where he is being utilised as an opener. Following his dismal showings, former India skipper, Sunil Gavaskar has backed him to come good in upcoming games.

Kohli scored one run against Ireland in the first game followed by four runs against arch-rivals Pakistan. He was expected to flourish against United States of America on June 12 but was dismissed for a golden duck by Saurabh Netravalkar. Gavaskar backed the right-handed batter that his form is not a worrisome factor and come good deliveries, mishaps are bound to happen.

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"When you get three low scores, it does not mean he is not batting well. Sometimes you get good deliveries. On any other day, the ball would have gone wide or over the slip for a boundary, today it didn't. So, there is nothing to worry about. We have to show faith in him...believe that he is going to come good, sooner rather than later," said Gavaskar while speaking to Star Sports.

All Kohli needs to do is show patience and faith in himself: Gavaskar

The 35-year-old opened for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League 2024. He was the top scorer of the league with 741 runs in 15 games which included a century. Gavaskar had criticized him for his low strike rate and jeopardizing RCB’s total in a game. But the veteran has displayed logical reasoning behind his earlier criticism and present backing. He also added that Kohli has plenty of faith and patience in himself and vouched for his form to hit the road in the knockout stages.

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"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 recognizes that. We are in the early phases of the tournament. There are 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," he added.