Cricketer turned commentator Aakash Chopra said that out-of-form Virat Kohli should’ve played either the T20I or ODI series against West Indies.
Kohli has been out of form for a while now. The runs have totally dried up for him and is even struggling to get going. Things have turned this much worse for him that even a player of his calibre is getting criticized for blocking the way of youngsters.
Having scored his last international century in 2019, he is now even struggling to score half-centuries. The recent white-ball games against England were horrendous for him as he manage only 45 runs across two T20Is and two ODIs. His struggles were even visible in the rescheduled Test at Edgbaston as he registered only 20 and 11 in two innings.
Since the England tour, Kohli has been rested and many are against this decision as they feel that the right-hander should’ve played to regain his form.
Kohli is now expected to return for the Asia Cup. His return would be crucial for the Indian team considering T20 World Cup is also around the corner.
Speaking on Jatin Sparu’s YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra said although Kohli "walks into the team", he doesn't have the current form to back him because he hasn't played frequently of late.
“The problem is that you need to remind people of Virat’s numbers. This is because he has played very little and missed more games of late. Even Rohit and Suryakumar won’t score in every game.
“But since they play continuously, we remember the good knocks that they played. Virat walks into the team no doubt, but he should have played at least the ODIs or T20Is against the West Indies,” Aakash Chopra said.
Chopra also said that he was surprised by the team management’s decision to play Suryakumar Yadav as an opener against West Indies.
“I don’t understand the thinking behind sending him at the top. Batting in the middle order is a bit difficult and he is also in form, so he has an understanding of that role.
“In T20Is and Tests, I feel positions are very important. Why don’t you send DK or Hardik at the top? Because they have a specified role, right? Then why not the same for Suryakumar Yadav?,” he said.
