"Just leave him alone" - Matthew Hayden backs Virat Kohli to come good in Super 8 stage of T20 World Cup 2024

Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden has thrown his weight behind Virat Kohli to come good in the Super 8 stage of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. Hayden reckons the media and critics must leave the Indian legend alone.

As the most prolific batter in T20 World Cup history, the 35-year-old hasn't been at his best in this edition. The right-handed batter has registered three single-figure scores in the Group stage matches with a best of 4.

Speaking on Star Sports Press Room, Hayden reminded that one cannot blast fours and sixes at will in these conditions as batters must take time to settle in. He said:

"I said it during the IPL as well, if Kohli was going to be in the team, he needs to open. Virat at three, I don't think we'll get the best out of him. You can't just turn up and blast 250 on these wickets, you need thinking cricketers.

"You look back at David Warner's performance this World Cup - in Barbados on a sluggish wicket, he made 30-odd [39 in 16 balls vs England]."

The 52-year-old elaborated on how David Warner exploded against England and hinted at Kohli doing the same:

"The way Warner came out on a pretty [tough] wicket and blew the game away, that's what Kohli is going to be challenged with in the Caribbean. Just leave him alone. He will show you why the Indian selectors have had faith in him at that position."

Kohli has finished as the highest run-getter in a single T20 World Cup edition thrice and won the Player of the Tournament award twice.

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"You must be clinical in the first ten" - Matthew Hayden

At the same time, Hayden cautioned against maintaining a good strike rate, especially in the powerplay overs. He added:

"He needs to continue to have a great strike rate. We've clearly seen a pattern emerge here at the World Cup where those six overs [powerplay], you have to be in front of the game. It's too hard to catch up. If you're looking at the back-half of the game, it's trouble. You must be clinical in the first ten."

India will commence their Super 8 stage against Afghanistan on Thursday, June 20.