FIT IN CONSULTANTS

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar backed out-of-form Virat Kohli, saying that it was too early to worry about Kohli’s place in India’s squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia. Gavaskar admitted that while Kohli is going through a lean patch with the bat, Rohit Sharma and other players have struggled to perform as well.

Kohli’s place in the T20 side is being questioned repeatedly by the experts, including former greats like Kapil Dev and Virender Sehwag, although skipper Rohit Sharma has firmly backed his long-time colleague.

“See, I cannot understand that when Rohit Sharma does not score runs no one talks about it. It is the same with other players as well. There is a saying that form is temporary, class is temperament. See, the kind of template they are adopting (in T20Is) where they have to swing the bat from ball one, you will succeed and fail,” Gavaskar told Sports Tak.

“We have a good selection committee which is thinking about it. I think there is enough time (more than two months) to announce the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2022. There will be several competitive Asian countries participating in the event. You will have to pick your team keeping in mind the form of a player. There is no need to panic yet and we need to give them some time,” the 73-year-old added.

Gavaskar believes that the ODI format is a chance for Virat Kohli to regain his form. However, as per the latest reports, Kohli is likely to miss the first ODI against England due to a groin injury.

“I think the ODI series has come at the right time. It suits his natural game. Like in Test cricket, there is enough time to settle down. In ODI cricket too the batter can play himself in according to the conditions,” Gavaskar opined.

On being asked about Rohit’s response in the press conference to India’s World Cup-winning skipper Kapil Dev’s comment on Kohli, he said, “At times, there is a need for an outside perspective. That is a reason why we have had foreign coaches because they bring a different perspective and look to do their job. On the other hand, very few people know about the environment within a team. This is also correct in a way because the discussion about tactics in the dressing room is privy to them. And, these discussions should not leave the team as they will give the opposition an upper hand. However, from both sides, the main target is the betterment of Indian cricket.”

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