Virat Kohli will perform like a champion: Childhood coach backs India star-batter-OxBig News Network

Despite concerns over his recent form, India’s star batter Virat Kohli has received strong backing from his childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, who believes the veteran cricketer will perform like a “champion” in the upcoming Champions Trophy. With the tournament set to kick off on February 19, all eyes will be on Kohli to see whether he can overcome his recent struggles and lead India’s charge.

Although Kohli managed a half-century against England in the third ODI in Ahmedabad, his overall performances have come under scrutiny. His lean patch in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, combined with his dismissal for just five runs in the second ODI against England, has raised questions about his form heading into a crucial ICC tournament. However, speaking on the sidelines of the Restaurant Cricket League in Delhi, Rajkumar Sharma dismissed these concerns and argued that a few poor outings do not define a player of Kohli’s calibre.

“Just because some matches went bad, does not mean the player is out-of-touch. When you look at his previous records, you will see what he did for the country. I believe that he will be performing like the champion player he always has been,” Rajkumar said.

Kohli’s track record in the Champions Trophy further supports Sharma’s confidence. The right-hander has amassed 529 runs in just 13 matches at a phenomenal average of 88.16 and a strike rate of 92.32. His consistency is reflected in his five half-centuries in the tournament, with his highest score of 96* coming in the semi-final of the 2017 edition against Bangladesh at Edgbaston. Kohli also played crucial unbeaten knocks of 81* and 76* against Pakistan and South Africa, respectively, further solidifying his reputation as a big-game player.

As India aims to end its long wait for an ICC trophy, the team will be banking on Kohli to find his rhythm and deliver on the grand stage once again. With India set to kickstart their Champions Trophy campaign on February 20 against Bangladesh, many eager eyes will be on Kohli from the get-go.

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