Kohli’s experience unmatched, but can’t rely on one man vs PAK: Rohit Sharma

New Delhi,UPDATED: Jun 8, 2024 22:08 IST

Rohit Sharma said that India cannot afford to rely on only Virat Kohli in the marquee T20 World Cup 2024 clash against Pakistan. On Sunday, June 9, Rohit’s India and Babar Azam’s Pakistan will be up against each other in a crucial Group A clash at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.

Kohli did not play in the warm-up match against Bangladesh, after which he scored only 1 in India’s first match against Ireland in New York. Rohit, however, showed confidence in Kohli and talked about the bundle of experience that he brings to the Indian team.

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"I don't want to rely on one individual to win us the game. Everyone needs to chip in. He didn't play the Bangladesh game. He didn't have a great outing in the first game, but we all know he brings in a wealth of experience," Rohit said in the pre-match press conference.

How has Virat Kohli performed vs Pakistan in T20Is?

Kohli has an outstanding record against Pakistan in T20Is, having racked up 488 runs from 10 matches at an average of 81.33 and a strike-rate of 123.85 with 5 half-centuries and a top score of 82 to his name.

In the T20 World Cups, Kohli has notched 308 runs from 5 matches at a stupendous average of 308 and a strike-rate of 132.75. The last time Kohli played against India’s arch-rivals, he scored 82 runs off 53 balls with 6 fours and 4 sixes at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Stadium (MCG).

With 28 runs needed off 8 balls, Kohli smashed Haris Rauf for a six down the ground followed by a maximum over deep square leg. With 16 runs needed off the last over, Kohli steered the Men in Blue past the finish line.

In the ongoing T20 World Cup, India started their campaign on a decent note after beating Paul Stirling’s Ireland by 8 wickets. Rohit scored a half-century as India chased down 97 in 12.2 overs.

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