Navjot Singh Sidhu Heaps Praise On Virat Kohli’s ‘Genius’ T20 WC Final Knock vs South Africa

New Delhi: Former India cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu lavished praise on star India batter Virat Kohli for his masterclass knock of 76 runs (not out) against South Africa in the final of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Virat, managed to amass only 75 runs in first seven innings of the tournament, he stepped up to the occasion when it mattered the most, smashing crucial 76 runs off 59 deliveries, consisting six fours and two sixes at a strike rate of 128.81. His crucial contribution guided India to 176/6 in the first innings. In reply South Africa managed to get 169/8 as India won the summit clash by just 7 runs. The final clash was nothing short of a thriller.

Speaking on Star Sports, Sidhu said about Virat, “When it mattered the most, when 1.5 billion Indians were praying for victory and hoping that we do not choke at the final hurdle, he stood like the rock of Gibraltar in the sea of ruins. He kept one end intact and delivered the World Cup crown by performing when India’s ship was stuck,” he said.

Sidhu highlighted the fact that Virat did not let the run-rate even once and would be remembered as “icon and greatest inspiration” after his T20I retirement.

“In this tournament, even when he scored 38 and 24, he didn’t let the run rate drop. There was a different kind of Virat. Virat Kohli, a man of adversity, a man of masses, a master performer, a genius. For me, he will always be remembered as an icon, as the greatest inspiration, and above all, a cup of joy for billions and billions who watch cricket all over,” he concluded.

Virat finished his T20 World Cup 2024 campaign on a positive note with 151 runs in eight innings at an average of 18.87 and a strike rate of 112.68, with only one half century.

In 35 T20 World Cup games, Virat amassed 1,292 runs, with 15 half-centuries. He recorded his best score of 89 (not out) against West Indies in T20 World Cup 2016 semi-final.

In 125 T20I matches, Virat scored 4,188 runs at an average of 48.69 and a strike rate of 137.04. He scored a century and 38 fifties and a best score of 122*. He ends the format as the second-highest run-getter of all time.