'He Will Be a Crucial Factor For India...': Dilip Vengsarkar Points Star Batter's Role in WTC Final
Virat Kohli gearing up for the WTC final (BCCI Twitter)
In anticipation of the highly awaited World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and Australia, former cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar has emphasized the pivotal role that Virat Kohli will play in determining the outcome of the match.
Vengsarkar's belief stems from Kohli's remarkable performance in the recent Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, where he showcased his class accumulating a staggering 639 runs at an average of 53.25 and an impressive strike rate of 139.82. His scintillating form culminated in back-to-back centuries against the SunRisers Hyderabad and the Gujarat Titans in the last two games of the tournament.
Commenting on Kohli's recent remarks regarding his changing approach across different formats of the game, Vengsarkar acknowledged the cricketer's extensive experience.
The former cricketer was effusive in his praise for Kohli, highlighting his status as a world-class player and asserting that his exceptional skills will undoubtedly prove instrumental in India's prospects of clinching victory in the WTC final. He also expressed his anticipation for an enthralling spectacle should Kohli find his rhythm and unleash his batting brilliance.
"He is a vastly experienced cricketer so if he has said something about his batting, he is the best judge. We all know what he can do. He is a world-class player and no doubt he will be a crucial factor for India's chances in the WTC final. It will be a treat to watch if he gets going,” Vengasarkar told Hindustan Times.
While Kohli has endured a dry spell without a Test century since 2020, he emphatically broke free from his slump with a sensational knock of 186 in the final Test of the recent Border Gavaskar Trophy held in Ahmedabad.
Meanwhile, India is poised to contest their second WTC final, aiming to redeem themselves after a disheartening defeat in the 2019-2021 edition against New Zealand, where they succumbed by eight wickets in Southampton.
Led by Rohit Sharma, the Indian team will be determined to end their prolonged drought in ICC tournaments and bring home the coveted silverware, marking a moment of glory in Indian cricket after a decade-long wait.