India would want to kick off their T20 World Cup campaign on a winning note at the latest edition of the tournament on Wednesday (June 5). India will start their campaign against Ireland in the T20 World Cup and will look to end their 17-year drought to win the coveted tournament. One player on everyone’s radar will be Virat Kohli who is in red-hot form having won the Orange Cap for scoring most runs in the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL 2024).

Smith backs Virat to flourish with bat

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According to former Australia skipper Steve Smith Virat will end as the highest run scorer in the tournament which will see him continue the rich form. Virat scored 741 runs in 15 matches of the IPL and helped his Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) side reach the playoffs. However, those runs could not help his side to its maiden IPL win.

“My top run-getter for this tournament will be Virat Kohli. He is coming off a terrific IPL and he is bringing in some great form and I think he will be the leading run-getter,” said Smith while speaking to ICC world feed coverage.

After a 16-hour flight, Virat arrived in New York on Friday evening and rushed to the team hotel to take a rest. The former Indian captain has been in superb form in big tournaments. He was the highest run-scorer in the ODI World Cup back in November.

He was given an extra break after the IPL and was with his family before linking up with the squad. Like the T20 World Cup, Virat had earlier linked up with the Indian team late during the South Africa series in December 2023. 

However, for now suspense surrounds what position Virat will play at the T20 World Cup as he is rumoured to open the batting while few have suggested he bat at No.3.

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