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In the build-up to the T20 World Cup Super Eight stage encounter between Afghanistan and India in Barbados, Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott subtly highlighted Virat Kohli's recent struggles without explicitly mentioning his name.
Kohli, a renowned batsman, has failed to replicate his impressive IPL 2024 form in the World Cup so far. Despite opening the batting in this tournament, he has registered scores of 1, 4, and 0 against Ireland, Pakistan, and the USA respectively.
His dismissals in all three matches have followed a similar pattern: caught off deliveries angling wide of the off stump. He was caught at third man against Ireland, scooped a wide delivery to point against Pakistan, and fell victim to a similar angled delivery from left-arm seamer Saurabh Netravalkar against the USA.
Kohli's susceptibility to deliveries outside the off stump is a known weakness, and Afghanistan, with their potent bowling attack, are well aware of this vulnerability. They boast Fazalhaq Farooqi, the tournament's leading wicket-taker and a left-arm seamer, who could prove to be a significant threat to Kohli.
When questioned about their plans to counter Kohli and his recent dismissals, Trott cleverly sidestepped the direct question. He emphasized the importance of considering recent form alongside a player's history and reputation.
Trott, a former England batsman, acknowledged that his team analyzes recent innings, identifies trends, and utilizes this information to strategize against opponents. He also stressed the significance of past experiences and overall career achievements, implying that they would not solely focus on Kohli's current form.
This approach reveals a calculated strategy from the Afghanistan camp. They aim to exploit Kohli's recent weaknesses while acknowledging his enduring legacy as a world-class batsman. By not explicitly naming Kohli, Trott avoids unnecessary attention and potential psychological manipulation, while subtly conveying their tactical intentions.
The anticipation surrounding the India-Afghanistan encounter is heightened due to Kohli's struggles and Afghanistan's possession of a formidable bowling unit. This clash promises to be a captivating contest as both teams strive for a victory in the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup.