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Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, pic: x

Xtra Time Web Desk: India captain Rohit Sharma has defended Virat Kohli amidst the star batsman's recent struggles. Despite Kohli's early dismissal for 9 runs in the T20 World Cup semifinal against England in Guyana on Thursday, June 27, Sharma expressed unwavering confidence in Kohli's ability to perform when it matters most. India triumphed over England, securing a place in the title match against South Africa in Barbados on Saturday, June 29.

Kohli appeared unsettled on a pitch not conducive to free-flowing strokes, managing a six against Reece Topley in the third over before being dismissed in the same over with a mistimed flat-batted swipe. Although Kohli's performance fell short, Rohit Sharma stepped up with a match-winning 57, leading India to victory.

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Kohli, who has struggled since taking on the opening role in the T20 World Cups, has found it challenging to adapt, particularly on the tricky New York pitches during the Group stages. While he showed glimpses of form in the Super 8 stage, Kohli's aggressive approach on the difficult Guyana pitch in the semifinal proved costly. His nine-ball stay was marked by missed shots and an overall lack of comfort.

"Look, he is a quality player. Again, we do understand his class and we do understand his importance in all these big games. Form is never a problem when you have played cricket for 15 years. He is looking good. He is probably saving it for the final. Absolutely (back him for the final)," Rohit Sharma said.

With just 75 runs in seven matches in this T20 World Cup, Kohli is experiencing a rare lean patch. However, Rohit Sharma remains confident in Kohli's potential to deliver in the crucial final against South Africa.

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India rode on a clinical bowling performance to rattle England and settle the scores with Jos Buttler's side. Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav picked six wickets between them while Jasprit Bumrah picked 2 as England were bundled out for 103 runs.

India will have an opportunity to end an 11-year-long title drought when they take on South Africa in the final in Barbados on Saturday.