ENG vs IND: Virat Kohli Needs One Good Inning To Return Back to Form - Deep Dasgupta

Former Indian cricketer Deep Dasgupta backed senior Indian batter Virat Kohli over lack of runs and said it will just take one big inning to turn things around from here. Kohli made scores of 1 and 10 in the recently concluded T20I series against England.

Kohli was in great touch during the third T20I on Sunday (July 10) in Birmingham. The former Indian skipper flicked David Willey for a boundary over midwicket and followed it with a straight six over the bowler’s head before handing one to Jason Roy at short extra cover.

Virat Kohli is going through a tough period: Deep Dasgupta

Kohli’s intent was clear that he wanted to take the attack toward the bowlers in a 216-run chase but failed to find the gap. The fact that he was dismissed for 10 allowed his critics to question his place in the T20 World Cup squad. Former cricketers like Kapil Dev, Michael Vaughan and Venkatesh Prasad are against playing Kohli in the mega event over inconsistency with the bat for the last two years.

However, Dasgupta, a former Indian wicketkeeper-batter, said Kohli is a world-class player and will need just one big knock to escape this lean patch.

“Virat is going through a tough period. Take yesterday’s example, his flick, the straight drive was just unbelievable! Whenever he is playing, it does not look like he is out of form. I don’t feel he played a bad shot yesterday, maybe it was just his luck,” Dasgupta told Jagran TV.

“In T20s, you need to take a risk… sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, but Virat is batting beautifully. Although questions are being raised about his form, I believe he just needs one good inning to return back to form. Virat is one of the bests India has ever produced. There’s no doubt about it,” he added. 

Virat Kohli uncertain to play first ODI vs England

Kohli is part of India’s squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England, however, reports suggested that the 33-year-old sustained a groin strain and is doubtful to play the first ODI at the Oval.

Also Read: Virat Kohli Sustains Groin Injury During 3rd T20I vs England, Doubtful For 1st ODI – Reports