Star batsman Virat Kohli's recent struggles with the bat could pose a significant concern for India as they prepare to face Canada in their last group stage match of the T20 World Cup on Saturday. India has already secured their spot in the Super Eight stage with three consecutive victories, setting the stage for matches in the West Indies.
Kohli, arriving at the T20 World Cup on the back of a sensational IPL season with Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he amassed over 700 runs at a strike-rate exceeding 150, had raised high expectations. However, his performance in the ICC tournament has been underwhelming so far, managing just five runs in three matches at an average of 1.66, including a 'Golden Duck' against the USA.
While India's overall campaign has remained largely unaffected by Kohli's dip in form, the pressure has shifted to the middle order due to his low scores, especially given his role as the opener alongside captain Rohit Sharma. Despite this, players like Rishabh Pant and Suryakumar Yadav have stepped up admirably. Pant contributed significantly with scores of 36 and 42 against Ireland and Pakistan respectively, while Suryakumar found form at the right moment with a crucial fifty against the USA.
In the bowling department, India has been well-served by Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Arshdeep Singh, who have collectively accounted for 19 wickets on the challenging drop-in pitches of New York. Pandya and Arshdeep, in particular, have impressed after enduring tough IPL seasons, showcasing their ability to lead India's attack alongside the reliable Bumrah.
Looking ahead to the match against Canada, India might consider tactical changes, possibly introducing spinners like Kuldeep Yadav or Yuzvendra Chahal to prepare for the spin-friendly conditions expected in the Caribbean for the Super Eight stage. This strategic shift could provide rest to players like Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, who have also contributed significantly with both bat and ball.
Canada, despite their relative inexperience at the international level, showed resilience in their victory over Ireland and could present a challenge to India, albeit a formidable one. However, the superior quality and depth of the Indian squad make them favorites going into the match, barring any disruptive weather conditions that have affected parts of Florida, where the game is scheduled.
Read also | Bangladesh Edge Closer to Super 8s After 25-Run Victory Against Netherlands
