When India’s batting line-up crumbled under pressure on Sunday night, it reminded many fans of one thing, how much they relied on a certain superstar in tense run-chases.
Former Pakistan cricketer Tanvir Ahmed believes that if Virat Kohli had been in the side, the outcome against South Africa might have been very different.
India suffered a crushing 76-run defeat in their first Super 8 match of the ongoing T20 World Cup, failing to chase down a competitive 188. The top order collapsed during the Powerplay, putting the middle and lower order under enormous pressure. The team was eventually bowled out for just 111 on a slow Ahmedabad pitch.
This loss was historic for the wrong reasons. It marked India’s biggest defeat by runs in the T20 World Cup history and their first loss in an ICC tournament since the 2023 ODI World Cup final. It was also their first T20 World Cup defeat since 2022.
Speaking on a Pakistani TV channel after the match, Tanvir Ahmed said India had long depended on Virat Kohli’s ability to control difficult chases. According to him, Virat Kohli often absorbed the pressure when required run rates climbed above 12 runs per over, allowing other batters to play more freely around him. With Virat Kohli no longer in the dressing room, Tanvir Ahmed felt the team struggled to handle that kind of pressure.
He also mentioned how Rohit Sharma used to energise his bowlers and keep the team motivated in tough moments.
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Earlier in the match, Jasprit Bumrah had delivered a brilliant spell of 3/15 to restrict South Africa to 187/7. But careless shot selection and panic in the chase cost India dearly.
Now, with their Super 8 hopes hanging in the balance, India face a must-win situation in their remaining matches and the absence of their trusted chase anchor is being felt more than ever.
