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Virat Kohli's Poor Form And..? This Is Why India Might Lose T20 World Cup Semifinal Vs England

Kohli has been struggling with poor form [AP]Kohli has been struggling with poor form [AP]

On Thursday, India will lock horns against England in the second semifinal of the ongoing T20 World Cup at Providence Stadium in Guyana. Led by Rohit Sharma, India have been phenomenal across departments, securing six emphatic wins to qualify for the semis. 

Meanwhile, England have grabbed a million eyeballs through their courage and determination, making it into the knockouts of the competition for the fourth straight time. 

Meanwhile, despite being in sublime form, team India has several concerns heading to this match. So, as they gear up for the high-voltage fixture, let's analyse and find out the factors that could result in their defeat against the Englishmen. 


Psychological disadvantage

England defeated India in T20 WC 2022 semifinal [X]England defeated India in T20 WC 2022 semifinal [X]

The last time the two sides collided in a T20 World Cup semifinal, England swatted aside India by a whopping ten-wicket margin. 

Having done exceedingly well in the must-win games, England will have the self-belief to knock India out of the competition. On the other hand, the Indians have a tendency to remain under pressure and eventually lose high-pressure games in recent times. 

Since conceding the 2017 Champions Trophy title to arch-rivals Pakistan, the Men in Blue have faltered in five knockout matches across formats. 

With the expectations of one and a half billion people keeping them under the pump, India might end up adding another knockout defeat to their CV. 

On the contrary, if they overcome the 'fear of losing' and continue their aggressive gameplay, it might work wonders for Rohit Sharma and co. 


Dube struggling big time?

Shivam Dube must step up in middle overs [AP]Shivam Dube must step up in middle overs [AP]

Despite being equipped with incredible power, Shivam Dube has been nothing short of a disappointment for India in this tournament. Picked as India's designated spin-hitter, Dube has managed 106 runs at a poor strike rate of 107.07. 

Even if we give his earlier performances a clean cheat, considering New York's sluggish playing conditions, Dube was underwhelming with the bat in crucial fixtures against Afghanistan and Australia. 

His inability to accelerate has significantly hampered India's middle-overs run rate. So, considering his significant role, the southpaw must evolve his game and assist Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant in this game. 


Kuldeep, a lone-warrior in spin department

Ace Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav played a pivotal role in India's triumphant outing against Australia, recording clinical figures of two for 24 on a relatively flat track in St Lucia. 

However, the wrist spinner has lacked support at the other end, with the likes of Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel failing to chip in with crucial breakthroughs. 

While Axar has five scalps in six games, Jadeja has managed a solitary wicket in ten overs. So, considering India will play on Guyana's spin-friendly track, it's high time the left-arm spin duo should step up with the ball.


Virat Kohli's recent form

Last but not the least, veteran Indian batter Virat Kohli hasn't been at his best this World Cup, managing only 66 runs at a horrendous average of 11. 

Since promoted to the top, he has definitely come up with a better intent, but runs have dried up for the Indian talisman. 

Considering it's a do-or-die game for India, they would like Kohli to bring out his best game unless it could result in another heartbreak for them on the biggest stage.