SA vs IND: Mohammad Kaif urges Virat Kohli to use MS Dhoni template in 2024 T20 World Cup final

Virat Kohli faced challenges in this ongoing T20 World Cup 2024, who scored just 75 runs in seven matches. Despite his impressive track record, his performance has been lacking.

However, the Indian team has maintained their unbeaten run under them Rohit Sharma‘s leadership, showing their strength even without significant contributions from Kohli. The Men in Blue are now facing it South Africa in the important finals.

Mohammad Kaif suggests that Virat Kohli should mirror MS Dhoni

Now before the conference clash, Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif he hoped that Kohli would shine in the final against South Africa. Drawing along with MS DhoniA key performance in the 2011 World Cup final, Kaif believes Kohli can emulate that feat and make the cut in the upcoming match.

“Virat Kohli must remember that even Dhoni did not have a good World Cup in 2011, but he found form in the finals. Small hint: He is a very good bowler who can bend, can play the ball properly and can beat any bowline attack. Mahendra Singh Dhoni was out of form in the 2011 ODI World Cup. He played an unbeaten 91 in the final. His six spells at Kulasekhara are etched in everyone’s mind. That’s why I think Virat Kohli has a good chance to be a hero,” Kaif said this on social media.

ALSO READ: SA vs IND, T20 World Cup Final 2024: Bridgetown, Barbados Weather Forecast (Hourly) | South Africa vs India

Strategy for the final against South Africa

Kaif advised Kohli to focus on playing each ball the right way, and avoid dangerous shots. This strategic approach will allow Kohli to hold the innings, build a strong base of aggressive players like Hardik Pandya and Rohit.

“So I think that in the finals, he should play the ball in the right way with the right shots in cricket, he should not back down by showing his wickets, he is a top player. Players like Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav have to play fast and Virat Kohli has to play till the end of the complete 20 overs and play the ball properly,” the 43-year-old added.

A chance for redemption

As India prepare to face South Africa at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown on Saturday (June 29), Kohli has a chance to end India’s 11-year title drought. Kaif also suggested that Kohli should take inspiration from his past performances, including his 49th ODI century against South Africa, and carry that confidence into the final. This match presents a crucial moment for Kohli to reaffirm his legacy on the world stage.

“He must forget that he is in bad shape. He had scored a century when India last played South Africa in the ODI World Cup at the Eden Gardens. He was smart that day and played very well, but he was not lax that day but he played the ball properly with proper cricket shots,” Kaif concluded.

RELATED: India or South Africa? Shoaib Akhtar predicts the winner of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 final