Harbhajan Singh has expressed his belief that Virat Kohli will have a similar impact on the upcoming World Cup as Sachin Tendulkar did in the 2011 edition. As India seeks to end their World Cup drought, the cricketer-turned-commentator emphasized the need to alleviate pressure from Kohli by making responsible decisions and allowing him to play his natural game.
Comparing Kohli’s potential influence to Tendulkar’s iconic role in 2011, Harbhajan emphasized the importance of the team’s support in sharing the responsibility and allowing Kohli to showcase his unstoppable abilities. Recognizing Kohli as a champion player, Harbhajan highlighted his desire for the team to manage the pressure and create an environment that enables Kohli to express his skills.
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Harbhajan also emphasized the need to set Kohli slightly free in crucial matches, urging the team not to solely rely on him for success. He suggested that the presence of talented batters like Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, and Shubman Gill can help manage the game, even if Kohli doesn’t deliver his best performance. Harbhajan’s hope is to reduce the pressure on Kohli and allow him to play his natural game, knowing that the team possesses the strength to handle any situation.
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Despite a slight dip in form since 2019, Kohli remains one of India’s most consistent performers in ICC events, and his contribution will be crucial in the knockout stages of the World Cup. Harbhajan Singh urged the team to provide Kohli with the freedom and support he needs to excel, acknowledging his exceptional batting prowess and his ability to dominate any match.
Kohli’s outstanding career statistics speak for themselves, and his recent performances in ODI cricket suggest a return to form. With a stellar average of 57.32 in 274 ODIs and impressive performances this year, including two centuries, Kohli is poised to make a significant impact in the World Cup and help India’s quest for glory.