Bengaluru/IBNS: Indian cricket icon Virat kohlis place in the T20 World Cup squad was put to questions after several reports claimed he might not be picked for the mega tournament to be held this year.
After a silent start to Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 following a paternity break, Kohli was back in his own form against Punjab Kings (PBKS) last night.
Not just a match-winning 77, Kohli improved his strike rate too, sending out a strong message to the selectors, who will be picking the side for the T20 World Cup, which will be played in the US and West Indies in June.
In the post-match presentation ceremony, Kohli, who is now the leading run scorer in IPL 2024, said, I know my name is now attached to just promoting the game in different parts of the world when it comes to T20 cricket. Ive still got it I guess.
???? Youre not going to think of numbers and stats, its the memories that you create
Orange cap holder Virat Kohli with a special message and a special mention to #TeamIndia Head Coach Rahul Dravid ?#TATAIPL | #RCBvPBKS | @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/uW0Vb7Y8m9
IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 25, 2024
The remark, which has far-fetched meaning, left presenter Harsha Bhogle off-guard and laughing.
Kohlis reply comes after former India head coach Ravi Shastri favoured a young Indian side in the T20 World Cup 2024.
In an engaged discussion during the Mumbai Indians-Gujarat Titans clash, former England great Kevin Pietersen spoke in favour of Kohlis inclusion in the Indian team for the World Cup.
Countering Pietersen, Shastri, who was known to be close to Kohli, thought otherwise and opined India should go for a young side like in 2007 when the men-in-blue had won the inaugural edition under the then new skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Its not about growing the game, its about winning the competition. The game will grow wherever it needs to grow. What Im trying to say is no baggage. And India won the 2007 T20 World Cup with a young side. You want youth. You want flamboyance. You want that dash, Shastri said as quoted by Hindustan Times.
