The absence of several senior Indian players from the squad for the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka has raised questions about whether Virat Kohli will still be used in the format. In the second half of 2022, Kohli’s performance in the 20-over game improved after a concerning slump over the previous few years, but the right-hander and captain Rohit Sharma were left off the Indian team for the T20I series against Sri Lanka.
Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar believes that this is simply a case of India wanting to give Kohli more ODI time ahead of the ODI World Cup next year. He also stated that Kohli will always be under pressure from players who are given opportunities to play in his place.
“Virat Kohli had a pretty good World Cup. I would have liked him to play as much international cricket as possible, just to be amongst the runs, hitting the ball virtually every week and be prepared for the match situation is a good thing. The thing is Virat Kohli will now constantly face pressure from others who are getting opportunities in his place,” said Manjrekar on ESPNCricinfo.
“We have seen what the young players have done like Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson when they’ve got the opportunity. So, yes, Virat Kohli is still very much in the plans after the World Cup he had and I’m sure he wants to keep being a member in the T20 side.”
Virat Kohli has shown he is an all-time great: Sanjay Manjrekar
Manjrekar stated that Kohli has been the most consistent in Test and ODIs over the years. “Since this is 2023, the World Cup year, I guess India are looking to give him more one-day time and one-day cricket is a great format to get back into form. That is where Virat Kohli has shown he is an all-time great in the way he has played over the years, the consistency, and the match-winning ability.
“Test and one-day cricket has been his two greatest formats. So, somewhere, the selectors are looking at Kohli and saying, ‘Let’s get you to play more of 50-overs cricket.'”
