Virat Kohli struggles against Khaleel Ahmed in net session, Kuldeep Yadav likely to be part of playing XI

Team India are in the Caribbean for the crucial Super Eight stage of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. The Men in Blue topped Group A after victories over Ireland, Pakistan, and the USA.

Meanwhile, star batter Virat Kohli has had a dismal tournament so far, scoring just five runs across three innings. As India gear up to face Afghanistan on June 20 at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, fans will be eager to see whether the modern-day great can rediscover his form on more batting-friendly pitches. In a lengthy training session one day before the Afghanistan clash, Kohli spent considerable time in the nets looking to find his rhythm. However, reports from Bridgetown suggest the former skipper continued to struggle, particularly against reserve seamer Khaleel Ahmed. 

“Kohli, looking to get back among the runs, had a long hit, most of which were throwdowns before he moved to the adjacent net to face Kuldeep and Khaleel Ahmed. Kohli middled most of the balls against Kuldeep but missed out on a few from Khaleel, leaving him frustrated,” a source was quoted as saying by News 18.

Also Read: If Virat Kohli gives himself some time, his form won't be a concern: Aakash Chopra

The pitch should turn in the middle as well: Former international 

There are also speculations that India may make some adjustments in their bowling attack by bringing in premier wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav for the Super Eights. Kuldeep was surprisingly left out of the playing XI during the group stage, with India preferring three specialist pacers complemented by finger spinners Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja.

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However, with captain Rohit Sharma stressing the importance of four all-rounders for balance, Kuldeep could get the nod if India opts to drop a third seamer. The left-arm wrist-spinner had an extended bowl at Kohli and Rohit in the nets on Tuesday under the watchful eye of head coach Rahul Dravid.

Reports indicate the Kensington Oval pitch is already showing signs of turn, which could push India towards getting Kuldeep back in the XI.

“The pitch should turn in the middle as well, maybe not as much as it is in the nets, but it will turn. The spinners have proved quite useful throughout the Caribbean thus far. I don’t think India will make any changes; they would not want to compromise on their batting,” said a former international at the venue.