IND vs ENG: 'Not Our Virat Kohli' - Indian Fans Vent Frustration as Star Batter Flops When it Matters

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Virat Kohli faces the ire of fans once again after another disappointing performance in the crucial semifinal match against England in the T20 World Cup 2024 in Guyana on Thursday, June 27. Also read: Most Runs in T20 World Cup | Most Wickets | Most Sixes

The highly anticipated clash saw Kohli, one of India's most celebrated cricketers, failing to deliver in a rain-marred affair, leading to a wave of criticism from fans and pundits alike.

Opening the batting alongside Rohit Sharma, Kohli faced the first over with confidence. Despite a couple of solid defensive shots and a flick for a six off Reece Topley, Kohli's stay at the crease was short-lived.

His aggressive approach saw him attempting a risky shot, which resulted in him being bowled by Topley for just 9 runs off 9 balls. This early dismissal set a precarious tone for India's innings, ultimately putting them on the back foot in this high-stakes match.

Fans took to social media to express their disappointment and frustration over Kohli's performance. Many pointed out his repeated failures in crucial knockout matches.

"Another Knockout game and another flop show by Virat Kohli. Big players should come forward in important matches, but he always gets dismissed. He looks like an echo of himself, not good. Last World Cup and T20I for him. He is finished in T20I," tweeted a disgruntled fan.

Others highlighted the tactical missteps that might be affecting Kohli's game. One fan suggested, "India is doing wrong with Virat Kohli. He truly plays like a king at number 3 spot. He has won many matches for India playing at number 3. Over aggressive approach is killing him. Jaiswal should open with Rohit Sharma."

Critics also compared Kohli's approach to that of Rohit Sharma, who has been in scintillating form. "Virat Kohli sacrificed his wicket playing Rohit Sharma's brand of cricket," mocked a fan, pointing to Rohit's aggressive batting style as a potential reason for Kohli's downfall.

The match, heavily affected by rain, saw interruptions that further complicated the playing conditions. Despite the adverse weather, India managed to put up a fighting score, thanks to contributions from other batsmen. However, the absence of a substantial innings from Kohli in such a crucial game left a noticeable void.

As the tournament progresses, Kohli's form will be under intense scrutiny. His ability to bounce back and silence his critics will be crucial for India's hopes in future tournaments. For now, though, the disappointment among fans is palpable, with many questioning whether it's time for Kohli to reassess his approach or even his role in the T20 format.