Pakistan Wary Of Virat Kohli Threat At T20 World Cup 2024, Admits Captain Babar Azam

New Delhi: Virat Kohli has always been a thorn on Pakistan neck and the Men in Green will have special plans for the Indian batting maestro at the T20 World Cup 2024, revealed Babar Azam. The right-handed batter, who stepped down as Pakistan captain following their dismal performances in the ODI World Cup 2023, has been given the reinstated with the responsibilities and will lead the side in the USA and West Indies. They will also have a new coach in Gary Kirsten, who was appointed last week.

Finalists in the previous edition in Australia, Pakistan begin their preparations for the T20 World Cup a tour of United Kingdom where they will play two bilateral series against Ireland and England. At the T20 World Cup 2024, Pakistan are placed in the same group with India, USA, Canada and Ireland. The much- awaited India vs Pakistan encounter will take place in New York on June 9.

Kohli has been a nemesis against Pakistan in the last couple of years. His 82 not out at MCG in 2022 T20 World Cup snatched India from the jaws of defeat before an unbeaten 122 in the Asia Cup last year, buried the opposition completely. The former Indian captain once again will pose a threat to Pakistan.

Speaking on how to tackle Kohli, Azam called the Indian as one of the best in business. “As a team, you always plan against different teams and according to their strengths. We don’t plan anything against only one player,” Azam told reporters ahead of Ireland tour.

“We plan for all 11 players. We don’t know much about the conditions in New York and we will plan accordingly. He [Virat Kohli] is one of the best players, and we will plan against him as well,” he added. Meanwhile, the Indian team will get to meet an old support staff at the opposition camp as Gary Kirsten has joined the Men in Green as their white-ball head coach.

Kirsten was the head coach of India when the Men in Blue lifted the 2011 ODI World Cup at home. The South African is currently working as a mentor for Gujarat Titans in IPL and has been constantly in touch with his new team on video call.

“He (Gary Kirsten) was already working, and then PCB offered him the job, which he accepted. He is very enthusiastic about our discussions and is making every effort to join the team as soon as possible,” Azam said. “He shares his plans with us, discussions are happening with coaches about our planning, and we update him on net practice plans, like how the bowling practice went today,” he added.