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Watch: Vikram Rathour gives stunning response as the reporter calls for Virat Kohli's demotion

By Sai Vaitla

Updated - 22 Jun 2024, 05:18 PM

Vikram Rathour and Virat Kohli
Vikram Rathour and Virat Kohli (Image Credits: Twitter)

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Team India batting coach Vikram Rathour gave a cheeky response to a question about demoting star batter Virat Kohli in the lineup ahead of the Super Eight match against Bangladesh. Vikram Rathour hinted at sticking with Virat Kohli as an opener despite his poor outings in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024.

Virat Kohli was promoted as an opener in India's batting lineup in the T20 World Cup 2024. The team management dropped young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal from the playing XI. The India team management took the decision to accommodate all-rounder Shivam Dube in the lineup in the marquee tournament.

The management decision hasn't proved successful for the Indian team. Virat Kohli struggled to score runs as he didn't cross the double-digit mark in the three league-stage matches. The right-handed batter managed to score just 29 runs in four matches at a disappointing average of 7.25 and a strike rate of 87.88.

We Are Not Thinking On Those Lines - Vikram Rathour

During the press conference, a reporter asked Vikram Rathour if Virat Kohli should move back to No. 3 due to recent performances. Rathour stated that they are not thinking about changing the batting order and indicated any changes would be considered based on the opposition and playing conditions.

"Can we take a chance and change the batting order of Virat Kohli back to No. 3? He did not perform in the last few games," the reporter asked. 

"(smiles) Are you not happy that he is opening? Everybody wanted him to open. I thought. We are not thinking on those lines. We are happy with the batting order we have. And if any changes happen it will be based on the opposition and the conditions," Rathour replied.

Kohli was expected to replicate his impressive IPL 2024 performance in the T20 World Cup. The 35-year-old batter scored 741 runs in 15 innings for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL 2024. The star batter was assigned a similar role in the Indian team, given his success as an opener in this year's IPL season.

Would Love It If He Gets Going And Scores Runs - Vikram Rathour

Vikram Rathour acknowledged Kohli's recent batting struggles have given an opportunity for inexperienced middle-order batters to step up for India. Rathour stated that he would love it if Virat got going and scored more runs.

“I’m not happy. I would love it if he gets going and scores more runs. But yeah, it is good when you are challenged at times,” Rathour said.

Virat Kohli will next be seen in action when the Rohit Sharma-led team takes on Bangladesh in their next match at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua, on Saturday, June 22. The Men in Blue will face Australia in their final Super 8 stage match at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium on June 24.

Also read: Watch - Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma tear the nets in each other's company ahead of Bangladesh clash

Tagged:

Vikram Rathour Virat Kohli India National Cricket Team Bangladesh National Cricket Team ICC T20 World Cup 2024 ICC T20 World Cup

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