Former India captain Kapil Dev asserted that if a bowler of Ravichandran Ashwin’s ability with around 450 Test wickets can be withdrawn from the Test team playing eleven, Virat Kohli is no longer vital in T20Is following his extended decline.
Kapil considers that the youthful stars should be given more opportunity than Kohli, who has been inconsistent across formats for some time.
Kohli hasn’t gone on a massive run in nearly three years, and the World Cup-winning all-rounder considers that if in-form players aren’t given enough opportunity to exhibit their skills, the Indian team management will be doing them a disservice.
“Yes, now the situation is such that you might be forced to bench Kohli from T20 playing eleven. If world No. 2 bowler Ashwin can be dropped from Test side, then (once upon a time) world No. 1 batter can also be dropped.”
It was clear to Kapil that Kohli is no longer the player he once was.
“Virat is not batting at a level which we have seen him do over the years. He has made a name because of his performances, but if he isn’t performing, then you can’t keep the performing youngsters out of the team,” Kapil said to ABP news.
Kapil wants healthy competition
According to Kapil, Kohli’s stature should not be used as a selection criterion and the team must have a healthy level of competition. This will instil in the young players’ sense of self-worth and self-confidence.
“I want competition for places in team in a positive sense that these youngsters should try and outperform Virat,” Kapil said. “You can call it rest and someone else will call it dropped. Every person will have his own view. Obviously, if selectors don’t pick him (Kohli), then it could be because a big player isn’t performing.”
