Virat Kohli's poor form has drawn heavy criticism lately.
India vice-captain KL Rahul backed premier batter Virat Kohli to return to his best during the Asia Cup 2022. Calling him a world-class player, he said that the senior batter isn’t affected by outside talks.
The talk around Kohli’s form is just increasing day by day. Calls were even raised to drop him from the side and many even lashed out at him for blocking the way of youngsters.
Having scored his last hundred in November 2019 in a Test match against Bangladesh, the right-hander has looked completely out of sorts in recent times and has failed to get going.
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He was last seen in action during the England tour but it was a horrendous tour for him as he miserably failed in all the games, including the Edgbaston Test. Since then, he has been rested and will return to the Indian squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2022.
Despite his struggles, the Indian team has backed him and from time to time reminded people about his ability. Skipper Rohit Sharma has been very vocal and even lashed out at experts for questioning his place in the side.
Now, the vice-captain of the side, KL Rahul has come in favour of Kohli and has openly backed him despite so many talks around his form.
Speaking during the press conference, Rahul said that team doesn’t give importance to outside talks. He said that despite so much criticism world-class player likely Kohli will not get affected.
"We don't really give much importance to such comments. It doesn't really affect a player, especially a world-class player like Virat will not be affected by what people are saying (on the outside)," KL Rahul said.
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Rahul admitted that Kohli has not been able to match his own benchmarks in the last few months but also said he's been batting well and is "hungry" to win matches for India again.
“He has had a little break and he is working on his game. When I was injured and at home for two months, I watched him play and it did not feel like he was out of form.
“Maybe, the standards he has set for himself, he hasn't been able to get to that level yet. But, I'm sure he's hungry to win matches for the country. That's what he has done throughout his career," he said.
Kohli’s form would be crucial for Team India in the context of the Asia Cup. If the 33-year-old returns to his best then the chances of India winning the cup will be very high. It remains to be seen how the former Indian skipper will go when he steps on the field after a break.
(PTI inputs)