Don't want to jinx it but there's a big one coming up: Rohit, Dravid back Kohli
Rahul Dravid and skipper Rohit Sharma have thrown their weight behind the struggling Virat Kohli, saying the stylish batter has shown the intent and is due for a «big one» in the T20 World Cup finals against South Africa. Kohli, who was the highest run-getter at this year's IPL with 741 runs, is yet to make a significant contribution in the tournament, having scored only 75 runs in seven innings.
«You know with Virat, the thing is, when you play a slightly high risk brand of cricket there can be times when it doesn't come off,» Dravid said after India marched into the final with a 68-run win over England in the semifinals here.
«Even today, I thought he hit a really good six to set the tempo but he was just unlucky that the ball seamed a little bit more. But I love the intent, I love the way he went about doing it.
«And for some reason, I don't want to jinx it but I think there's a big one coming up. I'm just loving his attitude and that he's committing himself on the field — I think he deserves it.»
Skipper Rohit also backed Kohli to come good in the final on Saturday.
«He's a quality player. Any player can go through that. But again, we do understand his class and we do understand his importance in all these big games.
»Form is never a problem because when you have played cricket for 15 years, form is never a problem. I thought he's looking good. The intent is there. It's probably saving for the finals".
Rohit, who has scored 248 runs so far with three fifties, has become the first to lead India in a third
