Kapil Dev Thinks Virat Kohli’s Exclusion From The West Indies Tour Is Not A Big Thing
Kapil Dev and Virat Kohli (Image Source: Twitter)
Virat Kohli is in England playing the three-match ODI series against England. But, a few days back, former India captain, Kapil Dev raised questions regarding the selection of Kohli as he had failed to come back into form for a long time. He also said that Virat needs to be dropped if he is not performing for India.
After the second ODI against England, the Indian Cricket Board announced the squad for the upcoming T20I series against West Indies. Virat Kohli was not there as he personally requested a rest from the Board. However, as per reports, the board wanted him to play this full series ahead of the mega event later this year. Now, Kapil Dev opened up on his exclusion from the upcoming tour to the West Indies.
“Virat should get more practice and play more matches to get his form back.” – Kapil Dev
Speaking to ABP News, the former India legend said that he can not suggest a player like Virat, be dropped. He said: “I can’t say a big player like Virat Kohli should be dropped. He is a very big player. If you have said that he has been rested to give him respect then there’s no harm in that,”
He also suggested that Virat needs to play more to get his form back. Former World-Cup winning captain said that if he continues to not perform well then, the selectors can take their call regarding his exclusion. “The most important part is how to bring such a player back in form? He’s not an ordinary cricketer. He should get more practice and play more matches to get his form back. I don’t think there’s any player in this world who is bigger than Kohli in the T20s but when you are not doing well, the selectors can take their call. My thinking is that if anybody is not doing well then he can be rested or dropped.” he added.
Speaking of this upcoming limited over series against West Indies, three ODIs will be played where Shikhar Dhawan will lead the side. While five T20Is will be played where Rohit Sharma will lead the side. Only Kohli, Bumrah, Chahal, and Pant were given rest in that T20I series. Kohli will not play the ODIs also. He will be in action again for India when they will take on England for the series decider at Manchester on Sunday, 17 July 2022.
