India vs South Africa Final: Kohli’s chance to become a hero, says Kaif ahead of big final

India's Virat Kohli, left, reacts as he leaves the field after he was bowled out by England's Reece Topley, right, during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup second semifinal cricket match between England and India at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence, Guyana, Thursday, June 27, 2024. AP/PTI

Rohit Sharma's Indian team has showcased an exceptional performance leading up to the T20 World Cup final, maintaining an undefeated streak throughout the tournament. Captaining the side, Sharma himself ranks third among the tournament's leading run-scorers with a total of 248 runs. India's bowling strength is highlighted by Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah, positioned second and fifth respectively in the list of top wicket-takers, with Singh claiming 15 wickets and Bumrah 13.

However, amidst India's impressive campaign, Virat Kohli has struggled, amassing only 75 runs across seven matches, emerging as a potential vulnerability for the team. Despite this, former cricketer Mohammad Kaif remains optimistic about Kohli's potential impact in the final against South Africa. Kaif suggested through his official platform that Kohli has the opportunity to emulate Mahendra Singh Dhoni's transformative performance in the 2011 ODI World Cup final. He emphasized that Kohli, like Dhoni before him, possesses the skill and temperament to play a crucial innings when it matters most.

Kaif took to X to express his opinion on Kohli's form. "Virat Kohli needs to remember that even Dhoni didn't have a great World Cup in 2011 but he found form in the final. Small suggestion: He is too good a player to slog, he can play ball on merit and dominate any bowling attack," Kaif said.

Virat Kohli needs to remember that even Dhoni didn't have a great World Cup in 2011 but he found form in the final. Small suggestion: He is too good a player to slog, he can play ball on merit and dominate any bowling attack. pic.twitter.com/OumwDIO7nP

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) June 28, 2024

Reflecting on Dhoni's redemption from poor form to a match-winning 91 not out in 2011, Kaif believes Kohli should focus on playing genuine cricket shots rather than resorting to risky slogging. He pointed out Kohli's past successes against South Africa as evidence of his ability to anchor the innings. Kaif's advice extends to Kohli playing through the full 20 overs if needed, allowing other aggressive players like Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, and Suryakumar Yadav to complement his steadiness.

Despite Kohli's recent struggles, the potential for him to shine brightly on the grand stage is clear, reminiscent of Dhoni's turnaround in 2011. With India seeking to break an 11-year dry spell in major global cricket tournaments and South Africa aiming for their inaugural men's World Cup title in limited-overs formats, all eyes are on Kohli and Team India to deliver a memorable performance in the upcoming final.