Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has given a fitting reply to those who have been questioning Virat Kohli’s place in India’s squad for the forthcoming T20 World Cup. The Indian selectors will soon be picking up the 15-man squad which will fly to the West to take part in the showpiece ICC event, starting June 2024. A lot has been speaking about Kohli’s spot in the team with people suggesting the management to look beyond the former captain.
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But far away from the discussions and debates, Kohli has been batting like a dream in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain is currently one of the top scorers of the league, amassing 181 runs and two fifty-plus scores in just three games. As his team is scheduled to face the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Tuesday evening, he will be expected to go all guns blazing and get the Orange Cap back on his head.
Pathan, speaking with ESPN Cricinfo, called Kohli a match-winner and made a clear-cut point that people should not even question his spot in the World Cup squad.
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“For those who are talking about Virat Kohli, I’d like to say that his strike rate in international cricket is as good as or even better than Chris Gayle. As far as the Indian power hitters are concerned; Hardik has a strike rate of 139 while Kohli has 137 – there isn’t much of a difference. Even Rohit’s strike rate is around 139. So those who are making all this hype, just remember one thing; his 82 not-out against Pakistan at MCG in T20 World Cup 2022.
“He is a big-ticket player and an absolute match-winner. He knows how to chase. The more will be the pressure, the more he will flourish. So, don’t even raise a question,” he added.
‘Still got it in me’
After RCB’s victory against Punjab Kings last week, Kohli himself took a cheeky dig at the people doubting his abilities, especially in the shortest format of the game. Chasing 177, the ace Indian batter scored a blazing 77 off just 49 balls and was adjudged the Player of the Match Award.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Kohli quipped, “I know my name is now attached to just promoting the game in different parts of the world when it comes to T20 cricket. But I’ve still got it I guess.”
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