Virat Kohli made his highly anticipated comeback to T20I after a 429-day absence during India's second game against Afghanistan in Indore on January 15. He had initially opted out of the first T20I for personal reasons but was promptly included in the second T20I, taking the place of Tilak Varma in the squad. Former Indian cricketer Saba Karim believes that Varma's omission was a result of the strong depth within the Indian squad.
Kohli's last appearance in the T20I format was in the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 semi-finals, where India suffered a significant 10-wicket defeat against England, who eventually became the champions. In addition to Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal returned to the playing XI after missing the first game due to a sore right groin. He replaced Shubman Gill and demonstrated his value by scoring 68 runs off just 34 balls.
In the series opener at Mohali on January 11, both Gill and Varma showed restraint with the bat, scoring 23 off 12 and 26 off 22 balls, respectively. However, Gill was involved in an unfortunate incident that resulted in the run-out of Indian skipper Rohit Sharma. Instead of responding to Rohit's call, Gill was focused on the ball, leading to a miscommunication while attempting a single after Rohit hit the ball in the mid-off region.
Karim believes that the batters didn't lose their spots in the Playing XI due to their modest performance with the bat but rather because of the squad's depth. He mentioned that Varma might be slightly disappointed for not having secured his place in the squad. Karim expressed this sentiment after Tilak's omission while speaking to Jio Cinema.
Securing a spot in the squad is challenging for young talents like Tilak, as highlighted after India's dominant six-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the second T20I, where they successfully chased 173 runs in just 15.4 overs. The standout performances came from Jaiswal and Shivam Dube, forming a formidable 92-run partnership for the third wicket. Yashasvi contributed a rapid 68 off 34 balls, while Dube remained unbeaten with 63 off 32 balls. Kohli's return to the shortest format featured a brisk innings, scoring 29 off 16 balls.
Karim observes that the wealth of talent available makes it challenging for emerging players like Tilak to solidify their position in the squad. In such scenarios, experienced players often have an advantage in securing a place in the Playing XI. He emphasises that players like Kohli, with their wealth of experience and quality contributions, are almost guaranteed a spot in the squad.
"I know Tilak Varma has done very well, having said that he will be slightly disappointed that he has not yet sealed his place (in the squad)", Karim said.
“None of the players who are sitting out are out because of bad performance… It’s just that India has so many quality players and if a player like Virat Kohli is making a comeback, he is going to be in the starting eleven for sure,” Karim added.
Jaiswal and Dube have made a significant impact on the international stage in T20I cricket, and the selectors are likely contemplating their inclusion when assembling the squad for the T20 World Cup 2024. The T20 World Cup is set to begin on June 1, and ahead of that, all players will have the IPL platform to exhibit their abilities, positioning themselves as potential candidates for a spot in the World Cup squad.
(Powered by AI)
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
IND vs AFG: After whirlwind knock in Indore, Yashasvi Jaiswal reveals what's it like to bat with Virat Kohli
WATCH: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma laugh uncontrollably during 'hilarious banter' with Shivam Dube; video goes viral
