'Several contenders have come up' - Dale Steyn's stunning take on Virat Kohli's T20 WC selection

Indian run-machine Virat Kohli is going to be an automatic choice for the Indian team heading into the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and West Indies later this June, feels Dale Steyn. The former South Africa speedster regardless of how many runs he scores in this IPL, he must be included in the team because he already has stocked a pile of runs for India in the past.

While speaking in an interaction with Star Sports, Dale Steyn claimed that it will be important for Virat Kohli to score runs in the tournament as well as during the IPL but there should not be any question regarding his selection. Steyn explained that he sees runs like a bank balance, something that Kohli has plenty of.

“Look, it’s very important that he does score runs. But, at the end of the day, I look at runs like someone’s bank balance. Virat Kohli has got stacks of runs stored over many years. That’s going to work in his favor. When India are looking to pick a team for the World Cup, they are going to look for guys who have been there and done that,” Dale Steyn said via Star Sports. 

Steyn feels Virat Kohli should get some rhythm heading into T20 WC 2024

Steyn who has played a few seasons with Virat Kohli for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, feels that the latter should be getting into a good rhythm in IPL this year in order to head over to the USA and West Indies with positive momentum on his side. In terms of selection, Steyn feels Kohli will go to the WC.

“It’s extremely important that he does score runs this IPL to put him into good form going into the World Cup. But in terms of selection, it is safe to say Virat Kohli will be going to the World Cup,” Dale Steyn added.

Steyn went on to add that the Indian team does have a few options due to the paternity break Virat Kohli took during the 5-match Test series against England from January to March. But for these important events, Steyn feels that someone like Kohli should be coming in who has a lot of experience and can perform during crunch phases of the game.

Virat Kohli to join RCB camp by tomorrow

Meanwhile, following his paternity leave from the Test series against England, Virat Kohli is all set to join the Royal Challengers Bangalore camp by tomorrow. He will be making his competitive return through IPL 2024 and he will be in action right away when RCB take on Chennai Super Kings in the opening match on March 22nd.