ICC T20 World Cup 2022: Madan Lal says Kohli alone can't win India matches; others need to pull up their socks

By Team Newsable | First Published Oct 25, 2022, 7:53 PM IST

As the euphoria around Virat Kohli-orchestrated Indian win over Pakistan is still settling, the 1983 World Cup-winning member Madan Lal says the 'Men in Blue' must not rely on the heroics of just one or two players if they are to lift the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 trophy.

Madan Lal, a part of the 1983 World Cup-winning team, says the "Men in Blue" must not rely on the exploits of just one or two players if they are to lift the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 trophy as the euphoria surrounding Virat Kohli's organised Indian victory over Pakistan is still settling.

Against a competent Pakistani attack, Kohli was at the pinnacle of his game as he led India to a historic four-wicket victory at the storied MCG on Sunday. One of the finest T20 knocks ever is his 53-ball undefeated 82.

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Also read: ICC T20 World Cup 2022: This giant Pakistan-born pacer has earned the praise of Rohit and Kohli

Former India coach Madan Lal feels India's openers need to provide a solid start, and it's too early to say if the momentum is with India after just one victory since "in T20 cricket, you never know."

"Virat Kohli's innings was amazing. I have never seen an inning like that, but Virat Kohli will not win you every match. It's such a big tournament. One person can't win it," Lal told PTI in an interview.

"Australian pitches are suited to Kohli's game. He runs the ones, twos, and three and uses the big grounds to his advantage. In between, he scores the boundaries. He has become mentally tougher. Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul have to pull up their socks. Everybody needs to ensure that they are performing and trying their best all the time. And in every game, there will be different heroes," the 71-year-old added.

The former all-rounder said what India accomplished deserves applause, but there is no scope for complacency in such a high-stakes tournament.

"India's task is yet to be completed. The journey has just begun. Even teams like the Netherlands are not weak teams. In T20, it's anybody's game. If you win the tournament then only you can say the mission is complete and as an Indian team we have done the job," he said.

Lal, like many experts, advocated that the final XI has to be dictated by conditions and not by the players' reputations.

"India must choose their playing XI according to the opponents they play. They should play their pacers and spinners accordingly. The same set of playing XI may not work," he said.

Also read: ICC T20 World Cup 2022: 'Those who had attacked Kohli didn't have a look at his records' - Lee

However, Lal was sure that Rishabh Pant must feature in the playing XI. Team India's designated finisher Dinesh Karthik took the field against Pakistan. The two keeper-batters have been jostling for place for some time now.

"Pant should always play. He is a match-winner. Even if he plays five games, he is going to win you two games. So that is good enough. You should give him a chance to play five-six matches and you will see the difference," he said.

India has a relatively easy opponent in the Netherlands in Sydney on Thursday but will have to be at their best against South Africa in Perth on Sunday. Many feel that India will be the favourite to top Group 2 on their way to the semifinals, but Lal was guarded in his answer.

"I don't know whether India will go as favourites against South Africa. You have to go match by match. The wicket will come into play. What sort of combination India plays, will also be a factor. It all depends on the playing conditions against South Africa," he said.

Also read: Virat Kohli: An Enigmatic Champion

Lal, though, strongly believes that India will figure in the knockout stage of the event.

"In T20 cricket, there are no clear favourites. South Africa is a dark horse. Australia at home is formidable. Sri Lanka is also doing well. England and New Zealand have also done very well. But definitely, India is in the top four brackets along with Australia, South Africa, and England," he concluded.

(With inputs from PTI)

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