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Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar has defended an out-of-form Virat Kohli. Gavaskar feels while Kohli has had a slump in form, Rohit Sharma and other players have struggled to perform as well. The legendary batter failed to make a mark in the two T20Is but Gavaskar feels it is all part of the new template India is adopting in the shortest format.
“See, I cannot understand that when Rohit Sharma does not score runs no one talks about it. It is the same with other players as well. There is a saying that form is temporary, class is temperament. See, the kind of template they are adopting (in T20Is) where they have to swing the bat from ball one, you will succeed and fail,” Gavaskar told Sports Tak while justifying Kohli’s approach as he got out playing attacking shots.
Gavaskar said that it is too early to worry about Kohli’s place in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia.
“We have a good selection committee which is thinking about it. I think there is enough time (more than two months) to announce the squad for upcoming T20 World Cup 2022. There will be several competitive Asian countries participating in the event. You will have to pick your team keeping in mind the form of a player. There is no need to panic yet and we need to give them some time,” the 73-year-old added.
While Kohli is likely to sit out of the first ODI after sustaining mild strain in groin, Gavaskar believes that the ODI format is a chance for the former Indian skipper to regain his form.
“I think the ODI series has come at the right time. It suits his natural game. Like in Test cricket, there is enough time to settle down. In ODI cricket too the batter can play himself in according to the conditions,” Gavaskar opined.
On being asked about Rohit’s response in the press conference to India’s World Cup-winning skipper Kapil Dev’s comment on Kohli, he said, “At times, there is a need for outside perspective. That is a reason why we have had foreign coaches because they bring a different perspective and look to do their job. On the other hand, very few people know about the environment within a team. This is also correct in a way because the discussion about tactics in the dressing room is privy to them. And, these discussions should not leave the team as it will give the opposition an upper hand. However, from both sides the main target is betterment of Indian cricket.”
