Kohli’s batting approach during T20 World Cup slammed

Star batter failed to reach double digits on five occasions during the mega event

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has criticised Virat Kohli following the right-handed batter's disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final against England in Guyana.

Kohli managed just nine runs before being bowled by Reece Topley. This marked the fifth occasion in the T20 World Cup where Kohli failed to reach double digits.

Expressing his dissatisfaction with Kohli's form, Shastri pointed out that the veteran cricketer seemed out of touch and was attempting unconventional shots.

“This is not Virat Kohli’s game. He should play according to situations and play his natural game. Then he has the capability to score quickly and catch up at the last. He is trying to manufacture shots. This is what you do when you are not in form,” Shastri said.

Notably, this was Kohli's first subpar performance in a T20 World Cup semi-final. Previously, the former Indian captain had delivered crucial innings in such high-pressure matches, including an unbeaten 72 off 44 balls against South Africa in 2014, an unbeaten 89 off 47 balls against the West Indies in 2016, and a composed 50 off 40 balls against England in 2022.