New Delhi, India

Former Australian captain Michael Clarke has backed Virat Kohli despite the Indian star batter's rut in the ongoing T20 World Cup, in the West Indies and USA. In four games, Kohli has managed only five runs in three outings as he struggled to get going for the one-time winners in their USA leg. Ahead of India's Super 8 game versus Afghanistan, Clarke feels Kohli is 'one step closer to making a big one' in the mega tournament and he will step up in crunch games.

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Speaking on ESPNCricinfo's Around The Wicket, the 43-year-old backed calls to promote Kohli as an opener, along with captain Rohit Sharma, at the expense of Yashasvi Jaiswal.

He stated, "He had a great IPL, so you can understand their reason for doing that. I wouldn't concerned about 3 low scores. All that means to me he is one step closer to making a big one. It's the most important stage as well where the best players usually stand up."

Also read: 'Whatever he touches...' - Kamran Akmal on prospects of Gautam Gambhir becoming India's next coach

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Clarke further opined that India need not tinker with their opening combination due to Kohli's low returns.

In this regard, he added, "I think if they feel that's their best 11, then keep him there. He has been playing on a pitch that has been tough for opening batters. I don't think 3 low scores make any difference to Kohli. If India feels it is their best 11 by him opening the bat. Because there was a lot of talk throughout the IPL that Virat was going to bat at No. 3 in this Indian team."

Rohit-led India are placed in Group 1 of the Super 8s, along with Australia, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

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They face Rashid Khan-led Afghanistan at the Kensington Oval, Barbados on Thursday (June 20). So far, India are one of the unbeaten teams in the showpiece event and will hope to seal a semifinal spot soon.