T20 World Cup 2024, SA vs IND Final: Rohit backs Kohli to fire in the final

However, the big cause for concern for Team India ahead of the summit clash is Virat Kohli's form in the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

 

Virat Kohli runs in 2024 T20 World Cup
 

In seven innings, Kohli has failed to cross the 100-run mark before the India vs South Africa final. His best score in the T20 World Cup 2024 is 37 runs, which is below his usual standards.

However, Kohli's record before the T20 World Cup 2024 speaks for itself. Despite a lacklustre outing in the US and Caribbean, Kohli is the highest run-getter in T20 World Cup history. Rohit, who played two scintillating innings leading into the, is just five runs away from his compatriot.

Most runs in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup history
Player	Span	Matches	Innings	Not Out	Runs	Highest score	Average	Strike rate	Hundreds	Fifties	Ducks	Fours	Sixes
Virat Kohli (IND)	2012-2024	34	32	11	1216	89*	57.9	128.81	0	14	2	105	33
Rohit Sharma (IND)	2007-2024	46	43	9	1211	92	35.61	132.78	0	12	1	113	50
Mahela Jayawardene (SL)	2007-2014	31	31	5	1016	100	39.07	134.74	1	6	1	111	25
Jos Buttler (ENG)	2012-2024	35	34	10	1013	101*	42.2	147.23	1	5	2	91	43
David Warner (AUS)	2009-2024	41	41	3	984	89*	25.89	134.24	0	8	2	103	40
Chris Gayle (WI)	2007-2021	33	31	3	965	117	34.46	142.75	2	7	1	78	63
Tilakratne Dilshan (SL)	2007-2016	35	34	5	897	96*	30.93	124.06	0	6	5	101	20
Shakib Al Hasan (BAN)	2007-2024	43	43	6	853	84	23.05	120.14	0	4	3	74	24
Kane Williamson (NZ)	2012-2024	29	27	4	727	85	31.6	112.53	0	3	1	71	14
AB de Villiers (SA)	2007-2016	30	29	5	717	79*	29.87	143.4	0	5	0	51	30
Kumar Sangakkara (SL)	2007-2014	31	30	4	661	68	25.42	112.22	0	4	2	63	11

Nevertheless, one cannot rule out the experience Kohli brings, and it is hoped that he will produce an exemplary innings in the crucial final.

Rohit Sharma has also backed his former captain for the final, expressing hope that Kohli will perform when it matters the most.

"Kohli is a quality player. Any player can go through that (form). We do understand his class and we do understand his importance in all these big games. Form is never a problem. When you've played cricket for 15 years, form is never a problem. He's looking good, the intent is there, he's probably saving it for the final. Absolutely (backing Kohli for the final). We have been very calm as a team. We understand the occasion (final), it's a big occasion," Rohit said in a post-match presentation.