Graeme Swann
Graeme Swann (image Credits: Twitter)

Former England spinner Graeme Swann feels that Indian batsman Virat Kohli would need to perform well at the forthcoming T20 World Cup in 2022.

The event is due to begin next month in Australia, with India taking on Pakistan in the opening match on October 23.

Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli. Pic Credits: Twitter

Graeme Swann claimed in an interview with Sports 18 that Kohli’s loss at the marquee competition may lower broadcast ratings. Additionally, he mentioned how he enjoyed seeing the 33-year-old bat when facing India back when he was a player.

“Virat Kohli must perform for India. I have worked in television, and I know how important it is for Virat Kohli to perform, just as it was for MS Dhoni. If such folks fail, TV numbers plummet, and people become disillusioned.”

Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli. (Photo: AFP)

“I want Virat Kohli to do well, when I used to play against India, I never minded Virat Kohli’s batting. I liked watching him bat up close, trust me if you think you think he looks good while batting from the stands and on TV, you should stand at a backward point or cover, it’s gorgeous to watch him bat.”

Graeme Swann supports Virat Kohli’s performance:

Graeme Swann continued by criticizing supporters who minimized Kohli’s performance, claiming that the player hit his eagerly anticipated 71st century against a team like Afghanistan. He emphasized Afghanistan’s strong bowling team and how they defeated the champions of the Asia Cup 2022, Sri Lanka, in their opening game.

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“I hope Virat just come good and it was incredible that he didn’t score a hundred for 2-3 years in international cricket because that player is amazing.”

Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli. Image Credits: BCCI

“People will say he scored his 71st ton against Afghanistan, that’s bad on Afghanistan because they are a good team. They got one of the best bowling attacks, they beat Sri Lanka who went on to win the Asia Cup trophy.”

With his batting prowess at the Asia Cup, Kohli wowed the crowd. He finished the competition as India’s top run-scorer with 276 runs from five innings at an astounding average of 92.00.

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