'Virat Kohli could be the Man of the Match' - Aakash Chopra backs misfiring batter to score big versus Canada

Aakash Chopra said that Virat Kohli could win the Player of the Match award in India's upcoming encounter against Canada at the CBRP Stadium Turf Ground in Lauderhill, Florida on Saturday, June 15.

Kohli finished the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 as the leading run-getter but his surreal form has deserted him in the ongoing T20 World Cup so far. In the first three games, he registered scores of 1, 4, and 0 against Ireland, Pakistan, and the USA, respectively. However, the Men in Blue have managed to win all three encounters and secured a spot in the Super Eight stage.

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Chopra backed Kohli to overcome his recent struggles and come up trumps in India's final game in Group A against Canada. The cricketer-turned-commentator also predicted runs for captain Rohit Sharma, who has had a couple of quiet performances with the bat after his half-century against Ireland.

"I feel, if this match happens, Virat Kohli could be the Man of the Match. I am expecting runs from Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's bats. In bowling, if Kuldeep Yadav plays, I am expecting at least three wickets from him. I feel Ravindra Jadeja will eventually come to the fore as well and pick up wickets," said Chopra on his YouTube channel.

I see Kuldeep Yadav playing in place of Mohammed Siraj: Aakash Chopra

Chopra felt that Kuldeep Yadav could come into the side in place of Mohammed Siraj, considering the spin-friendly conditions in Florida.

"There might be one change in the team. Kuldeep Yadav might come in and a fast bowler might have to sit out because the Florida pitch traditionally turns and helps the spinners. I see Kuldeep Yadav playing. Kuldeep Yadav in place of Siraj - unfortunate, I know - and that's about it," he added.

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Siraj has bowled economically so far in the 20-team tournament, conceding runs at an economy rate of only 6.50. However, he hasn't been among the wickets, bagging only one in three matches. He could make way for Kuldeep, who fared well on high-scoring tracks in the IPL and could be key in wickets in the West Indies, which are expected to offer spin.