There has been a lot of speculation about Virat Kohli’s inclusion in the Indian cricket team’s squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup. While some have suggested that India should look at selecting a younger squad, others believe the team will be incomplete without a talented veteran like Kohli. After his brilliant half-century against Punjab Kings in IPL 2024, Kohli responded sharply to his critics with a sly comment. “I know my name is quite attached to promoting the game in many parts of the world when it comes to T20 cricket, but I think I still have it,” he said. While his comment was praised by many, ex-Indian star Robin Uthappa believes it was ‘unnecessary’ in this situation.
Uthappa, who was part of the discussion panel on Jio Cinema ahead of RCB’s match against KKR on Friday, said the decision is up to the selectors and Kohli does not have to say these things.
“I think what he said in the last game felt so unnecessary. He didn’t have to say that because I don’t think anyone ever had a question about his abilities or what he has to offer. As far as batting is concerned, he is a class act, but India is not. And his intention is, okay, he wants to be part of that T20 World Cup. Well, it is up to the selectors whether they are going to look at a young side or whether they are going to go for the proven veterans who have done very well for the country and for themselves and in the IPL in the past. So that’s up to the selectors. But he basically said, okay, I want to go now. I really want to give this one last score to win a T20 World Cup too,” he said.
After his side’s loss against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) match, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper Faf Du Plessis said the wicket was at two pace in the first innings, leaving players had some difficulty with their percussion.
With a scintillating batting display, Kolkata Knight Riders became the first team to win away from home in this IPL after their comprehensive seven-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Faf said: “In the first innings we thought the wicket was very two-paced, you could see when the boys bowled the cutters at distance the boys really struggled. We thought it was quite a score, knowing that it gets a little easier in the evening, a little bit of dew came in. Looking at the way we batted in the first inning, even if you have someone in there, Virat I was struggling to get the ball just because there was a lack of pace and the surface had two paces.”
(With ANI inputs)
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