Virat Kohli And Rohit Sharma Face World Cup Semifinal Curse in 2019 Revenge Clash Against New Zealand

Summary: Kohli has some personal milestones to anticipate in the New Zealand showdown, but the specter of the semifinal curse poses a significant challenge for the contemporary cricket stalwart.

Amidst discussions about Virat Kohli's quest for ODI century records, he and Captain Rohit Sharma, with 594 and 503 runs respectively, have been the pillars of India's World Cup batting. While Rohit sets an aggressive tone, Kohli crucially maintains momentum. As they face New Zealand in the semifinals, seeking 2019 revenge, both players aim to overcome a significant hurdle and solidify India's position.

Kohli has showcased his formidable form in the 2023 World Cup, consistently shattering records with each appearance at the crease. With two centuries and five half-centuries, he has amassed an impressive 594 runs at an average of 99, setting a personal best in four World Cup campaigns. Just six runs away from becoming the second Indian batsman to reach 600 runs in a single World Cup edition, following in the footsteps of Sachin (673 runs in 2003) and Rohit (648 runs in 2019). Moreover, he is 80 runs short of surpassing another idol, aiming to outdo the India legend for the most fifty-plus knocks in a single World Cup edition, as both are currently tied at 7.

Read: Determined To Secure World Cup Victory: Rohit Sharma’s Childhood Coach Reveals This Could Be His Final Shot

Kohli has significant personal milestones to anticipate in the upcoming match against New Zealand, yet the shadow of the semifinal curse looms large over the accomplished modern-era player. Known for thriving on challenges and elevated stakes, the 35-year-old is expected to deliver his best performance in what might be his final World Cup appearance. However, the pressure of the big stage appears to have posed challenges for Kohli in his last three World Cup semifinal appearances. He recorded 9 off 21 in the 2011 semifinal against Pakistan in Mohali, 1 off 13 in 2015 against Australia in Sydney, and 1 off 8 in 2019 against New Zealand in Manchester.

Kohli's struggles in knockout games extend beyond the semifinals, with underwhelming performances in two quarterfinals. Notably, his significant contribution came in the 2011 final with a crucial 35 off 49. Facing Trent Boult again on Wednesday, Kohli aims to draw confidence from their league-stage encounter where he managed 24 runs in 17 deliveries.

The Indian captain, Rohit Sharma, has scored only 35 runs in two semifinal appearances (2015 and 2019). Despite the smaller sample size compared to Kohli, Rohit's crucial role for India on Wednesday is emphasized, given his impactful style of cricket and the team's quest for a second straight World Cup victory against New Zealand.