Virat Kohli’s ongoing Indian Premier League form has been a major concern for fans of the franchise as well as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Selectors have now said that unless Kohli specifically intends to play, he would not be picked in the squad.
BCCI is concerned
We all know that former India captain Virat Kohli has been terribly out of form in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2022) this season, playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore. With a line of low scores in the last few matches that includes a couple of golden ducks, it’s a question now whether he should be picked for this year’s T20 World Cup in Australia?
A top BCCI official speaking on the issue has said that his current form is a major concern for the selectors, who are hopeful that the top Indian batter gets back to form sooner than later.
“He is a great servant of Indian cricket. But his form from some time now is a huge concern now for the national selectors and BCCI,” a top BCCI source explains.
“See we don’t interfere in the selection matters. Selectors have to take a call on Virat and others. We can’t give our judgment to them. Obviously, they are concerned about what is happening to him,” the source added.
Chetan Sharma, the Chairman of the National Selection Committee, declined to make any comment on this matter.
“I don’t want to speak about it,” said Sharma when being asked about Virat Kohli’s future in the T20 set-up for India, sources.
Kohli’s future in T20 cricket
According to the reports, the Indian cricket team is set to take on South Africa and Ireland after the closing of the IPL. A number of senior players are predicted to be rested from the series while some newbies are likely to be given a chance.
“See, it’s not the first time that a player has gone through a rough patch. It’s only natural. We were anyway looking to give chances to some young bunch and rest the senior players. Virat will be given rest. But if he wants to play, then we will see. We will speak to him before the team selection meeting,” a member of the BCCI said.
The selectors are believed to be speaking to Virat Kohli about his form as well as future plans. Moreover, the report claims that a few people in the BCCI are also set to ask Kohli if he wants to quit one of the formats.
“No, we haven’t discussed anything with Virat yet. It’s too early. He needs the space and time to process the lean patch. Let the IPL get over, we will speak to him about a break if he wants. But in all likelihood, he will play only in the England series but it will depend on what he wants. We should give him that respect,” the selector said.
