The cricket world has been divided into two camps over the frequent opportunities given to former captain Virat Kohli, who has been battling poor form for a long time. On one hand, while some former players are criticizing him for giving him continuous opportunities, some have come out in his support including veteran players and Pakistan Captain Babar Azam. On Thursday, Virat was also dismissed on a low score in the second ODI against England.
During this, Pakistan’s captain and number one batsman Babar Azam has also supported him. Babar defended Kohli through a message on Twitter. He wrote that this period will also pass, and stay strong. India captain Rohit Sharma and England captain Jos Buttler also defended Virat after the match.
Kohli is also a human being: Jos Buttler
After the second ODI, Butler said that Kohli is also a human being and his score can be bad in some matches. He is one of the best cricketers in the world. He has been playing brilliantly for so many years and the bad phase could come in the career of any player. All I can say is that a player like him needs an innings.
Captain Rohit furious at the media
Indian captain Rohit Sharma flared up on the questions being asked continuously about Virat’s form. Rohit said that it is beyond my understanding why this discussion is happening. He said why is it being talked about? He has played so many matches for so long. He is such a great batsman.
Board President Ganguly also supported Virat
A day earlier, former captain and Board of Control for Cricket in India President Sourav Ganguly also supported Virat. He had said that such a phase comes in the career of every player. Virat knows what he has to do, he just needs one inning and he has to find his own way.
Virat did not agree to the West Indies tour
Meanwhile, it is being said in media reports that the board wanted to send a full-strength team on the West Indies tour. So that a better combination can be set for the ICC T20 World Cup. But Virat did not agree. It was said earlier also that Virat himself has sought rest from the West Indies tour. In such a situation, questions are also being raised about Virat’s repeated requests for rest at will. Now only 3 months are left in the T20 World Cup. In such a situation, this decision can be heavy on Virat. There are already many contenders for his place in the playing XI.
After being rested from the West Indies tour, now he has only two chances to prove himself. Asia Cup T20 Three-match T20 series against Australia in late August.
Kapil Dev lashed out at the selectors
Former captain Kapil Dev has expressed surprise over the decision of the selectors to rest Virat from the first ODI and T20 series on the West Indies tour. He said that the most important thing is how to bring the player in form? He should practice, and play as many matches as possible so that he can find his form. I don’t think there is any player in this world who is bigger than Kohli in the T20s, but when you are not doing well the selectors can take a call on him.