Virat Kohli is driving most conversations in the cricket world at the moment. When a player of the caliber of Virat is unable to score big for such a long time, it is bound to raise questions. Moreover, when India is overflowing with young players who look in great touch, some experts are even questioning Virat’s presence in the T20 WC squad. However, Monty Panesar says it is essential for India to play Virat Kohli in T20 World Cup later this year. Moreover, he believes Virat is scarred by trust issues with BCCI. The former England player has observed some differences in Virat.
“He has been scarred by some of the trust issues that he had with the BCCI”
When Virat stepped down as team India’s T20 captain last year, there was a clear rift between the star player and the BCCI. Soon, he was removed from the ODI captaincy duties as well. While BCCI President Ganguly said that Virat was consulted before the decision was made. Virat Kohli said otherwise. Moreover, he revealed that he was informed about the same a couple of hours before the Test squad for South Africa was named. Panesar believes that this is somewhere still affecting Virat’s relations with the management and his game.
“Watching his behavior and everything in England, I asked myself is that really the Virat Kohli? It was a bit over-exerted. It’s not him. It wasn’t really him. His celebration and sledging showed that he was under some pressure. It’s not the Virat Kohli we know. He has been slightly scarred by some of the trust issues that he had with the BCCI people. How he was treated, and how he spoke in the media about it. Internally, I think, there were obviously differences. Virat was probably let down by that. He still feels a little bit of mental pressure from that.”
“India needs Virat Kohli in T20 World Cup: Monty Panesar
He also emphasized that although several youngsters look promising and are in better form than Kohli, it is a must to play him in Australia. Since the WC is to be played in Australia, where the playing conditions are significantly different than in India. He believes India cannot afford to not play him in the World Cup.
“Virat should be in the squad. He should be traveling to Australia because you need Virat in the big global tournaments. He’s an ambassador of the game. So, you need him there. Whether he is playing or not playing, he should be there as a squad member. Dravid and Rohit desperately want to win the World Cup. They want to play big roles and take the team to World Cup wins. This is something Virat couldn’t (do). They have only three months to go. They’ve got to think with their heads right. Is Virat Kohli part of our eleven or is he part of our 15? They need to decide that very, very quickly. There are a lot of youngsters who can adapt to the conditions in India, but in Australia, you will definitely need Virat Kohli for the T20 World Cup.”
