Great players continue to interrupt new ground in the latter stages of their career, and that’s precisely what Virat Kohli has just carried out. 12 years, 25 innings and six T20 World Cups later, the 35-year-antique, who's the best run-getter within the records of T20WCs, has just completed some thing he’s in no way previously executed, that is beginning the batting in a T20 World Cup game.
For the longest time, it become believed that Kohli would bat at No.Three for the facet in this ongoing T20WC. Prior to the game today, 24 of Kohli’s 25 innings in T20WCs had come at No.3. And the right-hander had an astounding record batting in that position, having gathered 1,132 runs at a scarcely plausible common of 87.07.
However, a mixture of Yashasvi Jaiswal’s terrible IPL form, the want for extra flexibility inside the center-order and Kohli’s personal stellar form beginning the batting in IPL 2024, led to the Indian control opting to open with the 35-12 months-antique.
On the day, however, the method did now not repay as Kohli departed for a 5-ball one, registering his lowest ever rating in T20WC history. On a wicket that supplied copious seam motion, the 35-12 months-vintage attempted to combat the lateral movement by seeking to take the attack to the bowlers, however perished after cutting one immediately to the fielder at 1/3 guy.
For the longest time, it was believed that Kohli would bat at 3 for the side in this ongoing T20WC. Prior to the sport today, 24 of Kohli’s 25 innings in T20WCs had come at No.3. And the right-hander had an amazing file batting in that role.
The having accrued 1,132 runs at a scarcely plausible common of 87.07. However, a combination of Yashasvi Jaiswal’s bad IPL shape, the want for greater flexibility within the middle-order and Kohli’s very own stellar form starting the batting in IPL 2024, led to the Indian management opting to open with the 35-year-vintage.
On the day, however, the strategy did not pay off as Kohli departed for a 5-ball one, registering his lowest ever rating in T20WC history. On a wicket that supplied copious seam movement, the 35-yr-antique tried to combat the lateral motion by using looking to take the assault to the bowlers, but perished after reducing one straight to the fielder at 1/3 guy.
In what came as a surprise to fans and critics alike,Virat Kohli endured his worst-ever performance in a T20 World Cup, registering a record low in terms of runs and form. While India emerged victorious in the tournament, Kohli’s personal campaign was marked by inconsistency, early dismissals, and an uncharacteristic lack of fluency — a rare blemish in an otherwise legendary T20 career.
A Disappointing Campaign by the Numbers
In the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, Kohli’s tally stood at:
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Runs scored:75
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Innings:7
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Average:10.71
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Strike Rate:92.5
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Highest Score:25
These numbers are a stark contrast to Kohli’s usual standards, especially considering he has historically been one of India's most consistent and dependable performers in T20 World Cups — including thePlayer of the Tournament awards in 2014 and 2016.
What Went Wrong?
Several factors could have contributed to Kohli’s lean patch:
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Opening Experiment:Kohli was asked to open the batting instead of his regular No. 3 position. While this strategy worked for others, it seemed to affect Kohli's rhythm early in the innings.
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Tough Pitches:Many matches were played on slow and two-paced tracks in the USA and Caribbean, which made free stroke play difficult. Kohli, known for timing and placement, seemed to struggle with the lack of pace and bounce.
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Aggressive Approach Gone Awry:With India pushing for quick starts, Kohli appeared to adopt a more aggressive approach — but the risk often outweighed the reward. The early dismissals put added pressure on the middle order in a few matches.
Support From Teammates and Fans
Despite his poor run,Kohli received unwavering supportfrom teammates, coaching staff, and fans throughout the tournament.
Form is temporary, class is permanent. Virat’s presence in the dressing room is invaluable,” said Indian skipper Rohit Sharma during a press conference.
Fans echoed the sentiment, flooding social media with hashtags like#InViratWeTrustand#KingKohliForever, reminding the cricketing world of his immense contributions over the years.
Ending on a High Note: World Cup Victory & T20I Retirement
Kohli silenced all doubters when it mattered most — in thefinal, where he played a gritty knock of 76 off 59 balls against South Africa to anchor India’s innings. That match-winning effort not only delivered the trophy but also reminded everyone of Kohli’s unmatched ability to rise under pressure.
Immediately after the final, Kohli announced hisretirement from T20 Internationals, saying:
This was my last T20I game. I wanted to contribute one last time for my country in this format, and I’m glad I could do that in a final.”
Legacy Beyond Numbers
Even with a poor tournament statistically,Virat Kohli’s T20 legacy remains untouched. He retires as:
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India’ssecond-highest run scorer in T20Is
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Theonly batter to average over 50 in T20 World Cups(until this edition)
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A player withnumerous match-winning knocks, especially in knockout games
Kohli's ability to lead by example, motivate teammates, and stand tall in high-pressure situations continues to make him a giant of modern cricket.
What’s Next for Kohli?
With T20Is behind him, Kohli is expected to focus onODIs and Test cricket, where he continues to be a crucial player for India. His experience, leadership, and hunger for runs will be vital in the upcomingChampions Trophy 2025and the ongoingWorld Test Championship cycle.
Additionally, his IPL journey with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is far from over, and fans can expect more fireworks in the shortest format at the domestic level.
Final Thoughts
While the 2024 T20 World Cup marked Virat Kohli’s lowest-scoring tournament in the format, it also symbolized the end of an era with one last reminder of why he is called the"Chase Master".
His resilience in the final, his emotional farewell, and the championship trophy will be the lasting images of a campaign that tested him and showed the world that even legends have lows, but theynever stop rising.
