"One step closer to making a big one" - Michael Clarke unfazed by Virat Kohli's rut in T20 World Cup 2024

Former Australian captain Michael Clarke remains unfazed by Virat Kohli's lean run so far in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. The former New South Wales cricketer believes the best players stand up for their team in the most vital moments.

As the most prolific batter in T20 World Cup history, Kohli has struggled in the group stage of the multi-nation event. The right-handed batter has registered three single-figure scores with a best of 4 on the tricky surfaces of USA.

Speaking on ESPN Cricinfo's Around The Wicket, the 43-year-old claimed:

"He had a great IPL, so you can understand their reason for doing that. I wouldn't concerned about 3 low scores. All that means to me he is one step closer to making a big one. It's the most important stage as well where the best players usually stand up."

The former Indian captain has bagged the Player of the Tournament award twice in the 2014 and 2016 editions. He has also finished as the top run-getter in a record four editions, but the Men in Blue haven't lifted the trophy since 2007.

"If they feel that's their best 11, then keep him there" - Michael Clarke

Clarke went on to suggest that India shouldn't tinker with their opening combination moving forward, especially since there were conversations of inserting Kohli at the top. On this, he added:

"I think if they feel that's their best 11, then keep him there. He has been playing on a pitch that has been tough for opening batters. I don't think 3 low scores make any difference to Kohli. If India feels it is their best 11 by him opening the bat. Because there was a lot of talk throughout the IPL that Virat was going to bat at No. 3 in this Indian team."

Team India are among the unbeaten sides in the tournament along with Australia, South Africa, and the West Indies. Their Super 8 stage commences with a game against Afghanistan on June 20 at Bridgetown, Barbados.