Virat Kohli's dropping from Indian team blocked by 2011 World Cup winning chief selector

Former Indian chief selector Kris Srikkanth has come out in support of struggling Virat Kohli following Team India’s embarrassing whitewash at the hands of New Zealand, fiercely defending the former captain amid swirling criticism about his place in the national Test team.

Kris Srikkanth has dismissed every discussion about dropping Kohli from Team India, describing the notions as premature and unnecessary, while throwing his full support behind the star batter to bring the storm in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia.

Kris Srikkanth defends Virat Kohli after New Zealand whitewash

The dashing right-hander has been struggling with the bat in Test cricket, amassing only 250 runs in his last six Tests at a disappointing average of 21.33. He could not also score 100 runs in his six innings against New Zealand, and that's really alarming form for Team India ahead of Down Under.

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Despite a rough patch, Kohli’s past dominance, especially in Australia, makes him a force to be reckoned with, and Srikkanth believes that it's far too early to consider sidelining such a proven legend. The former Indian captain has over 2,000 Test runs against Australia alone, and Srikkanth said that the Australian turf would be the ideal stage for his comeback.

His consistent success Down Under, where he has already hit eight centuries, proves that Virat Kohli thrives in challenging conditions. And the 1983 World Cup winner is confident in the senior batter’s resilience, insisting that the familiar Australian grounds will reignite his fire and deliver his best.

Kris Srikkanth backs Kohli to reclaim Test glory Down Under

Furthermore, Srikkanth stressed that others may falter, but players like Kohli with such storied histories can bounce back spectacularly, often when the odds are stacked against them.

Kohli's recent home Test season may have left fans wanting more—with just 192 runs from 10 innings—but history has shown that champions rise in moments of pressure, said the former Indian opener.

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As India gears up for its next big Test series in Australia, Srikkanth sent a powerful reminder to the hosts that writing off Kohli might be the biggest mistake for them and critics.

Virat has got a lot of time: Srikkanth

The former Indian captain also said that Kohli has a lot of cricket left in him, and one or two bad years in Test cricket won’t affect his legacy. Srikkanth is against the idea of moving on from Kohli currently.

Kris Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel: “In my opinion, Virat Kohli will start doing in Australia (comeback). His area is Australia. I think that’s his strength. I think it’s too early to talk like this about Virat Kohli (moving on from him). I won’t accept it. Virat Kohli has got a lot of time. One or two bad years of Test cricket won’t change anything.”

Notably, the five-match Test series between Australia and India is set to get underway on November 22 in Perth.