I just need Virat to have a day off: Kevin Pietersen ahead of the T20 World Cup semi-final

Virat Kohli has been exceptional in the ongoing T20 World Cup, leading the Indian battery with a string of impressive knocks against Pakistan, Netherlands and Bangladesh.

The former Indian skipper is currently topping the run-scoring charts in the tournament with a staggering 246 runs at a stunning average of 123 and a fine strike rate of 138.98. However, even a couple of months back, there were several questions about Virat’s role in the side after the Indian batter failed to get going incessantly.

India’s next stop is Adelaide as they are up against England in the semi-finals and there were a few gigantic words from the former English skipper, Kevin Pietersen ahead of this prized clash. Writing in his blog for Betway, KP wrote, “I backed Kohli throughout the little loss of form that he had, and he's had a lot to deal with. He is an entertainer, he needs crowds, he needs that buzz, he needs that excitement. He didn't have that for a few years, and he lost his way. But the crowds are in, it's a T20 World Cup in Australia – one of the greatest places to play T20 cricket – and the King is back. As a close friend, I'm very happy for him, but I just need Virat to have a day off.”

He further added, “It's just so good to see the greatest current player back in the runs, not only from India's perspective, but for the world of cricket. For India, he’s such a major component for them to start seeing some consistency. When Virat plays well, the other players start to perform around him. You saw that with Suryakumar Yadav and the innings he played against Zimbabwe; it was just spectacular. When your talisman is back, it helps massively.”

Virat Kohli would be hoping to add more runs to his tally as India look to overcome the English challenge with the final on the horizon. He will be accompanied by SKY, KL Rahul, Hardik and Rohit to brave the might of the fierce English bowlers at Adelaide as the two reckoning forces collide on Thursday.