ICC T20 World Cup 2022: 'You Need Virat Kohli In Big Global Tournaments'- Former England Spinner Wants India To Include Former Skipper In T20 WC Squad

Virat Kohli, the legendary batsman for India, hasn’t scored many significant runs in almost three years. Fans can’t wait for him to remove his helmet, spread his arms, and shout in jubilation as he celebrates a century.

According to his own high standards with the bat, Kohli, who is going through a difficult time, last achieved an international century in November 2019. In the fifth Test (rescheduled Test) against England, Kohli was anticipated to make a return, but that didn’t happen.  

Lack Of Runs Continue To Haunt Virat Kohli

Once more, he failed to lift his bat. In the critical Test, which England went on to win to tie the Test series at 2-2, he only scored 11 runs in the first innings and 20 runs in the second. Although his Test average throughout the course of his career is still a good 49.53, it has fallen below 30 over the past year.

In the last year, Kohli has featured in 10 Test matches and batted 18 times. These 10 Tests have consisted of 3 home matches and 7 away matches. In his 18 innings, he has scored 527 runs at an average of 29.27. In the last year, he has three fifty-plus scores in Test cricket. 

Virat Kohli Should Be In The Squad: Monty Panesar

Former England spinner Monty Panesar feels that Virat Kohli should be there in the India squad as his experience being there can just actually give that confidence to the youngsters.

“Virat should be in the squad. He should be traveling to Australia because you need Virat in the big global tournaments. He’s an ambassador of the game. So, you need him there.

Whether he is playing or not playing, he should be there as a squad member. He needs to have a chat with Dravid. He should ask whether he would fit in the top ll or he should be there as a squad member. His experience being there can just actually give that confidence to the youngsters who play.” 

Management Has To Take Decision On Virat Kohli Quickly: Monty Panesar

Panesar believes Virat and BCCI need to sort this thing quickly. As Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid are making plans to win the World Cup, they’ve got to think with their heads right.

“Virat can play the role of MS Dhoni. He can be a guiding force for the youngsters. Virat does bring so many other elements to the side. He didn’t have a good time in the last few months. Be it captaincy or anything. Virat and BCCI need to just sort this (out) completely.

Rohit and Dravid are making plans to win the World Cup. Dravid and Rohit desperately want to win the World Cup. They want to play big roles and take the team to World Cup wins. This is something Virat couldn’t (do). They have only three months to go. They’ve got to think with their heads right.

Is Virat Kohli part of our eleven or is he part of our 15? They need to decide that very, very quickly. There are a lot of youngsters who can adapt to the conditions in India, but in Australia, you will definitely need Virat Kohli for the T20 World Cup.” 

Also Read: IND vs ENG: Virat Kohli To Miss Second ODI Against England – Report