The Asia Cup 2022 clash between India and Pakistan last Sunday (August 28) marked Virat Kohli’s 100th T20I appearance. It was also Kohli’s comeback match after a short break and he made his presence felt with the bat.
Chasing the target of 148, India lost KL Rahul for a first-ball duck and then Kohli shared a 49-run stand with skipper Rohit Sharma to steady the ship.
The former India captain was eventually dismissed by left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz for 34-ball 35 and his knock was studded with 3 fours and 1 six.
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Kohli’s innings also impressed former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, who stressed that the veteran batter is embracing the new approach of this Indian team as he is aware that young players are pushing for his place in the T20I side.
“There are two ways to look at it. Virat Kohli has already embraced this new approach which is slightly contrary to his nature because he likes to take some time in the middle and then get going by this new approach does not allow him that comfort to take time. The other thing is that he has nothing to lose. He is playing as per the team's plans so he can go out there are express himself as per the team say. But how many ever runs he gets against Hong Kong when you are again playing against a team like Pakistan it is back to square one,” Manjrekar said in a chat on Star Sports.
"The other thing that will make things difficult for Kohli is that he knows there are some young players with some serious form behind them who are pushing for a place in the playing XI. Deepak Hooda got a hundred recently. There is Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer as well. He is aware of all this so it isn't easy. But the fighter that he is, he will make it count," he added.
However, former New Zealand batter Scott Styris, expressed his surprise at Manjrekar's comments, suggesting he doesn't feel there's anyone who can claim Virat's place in the Indian team.
"I can't believe that Kohli's place in the team is under threat. I still can't believe that. As good as Hooda and the likes of Ishan Kishan and the players at the top who could come in over the next year. Are we really talking about Kohli not making this team?" Styris, who was also a part of the conversation, questioned.
Manjrekar further opined his views, saying: "I'm just saying that he is aware that there are players pushing for a slot which makes you...rather does not give you the comfort that you are irreplaceable. They will still take him to Australia. Only a brave person will leave him out."
Virat Kohli will now be seen in action India’s second Asia Cup 2022 match against Hong Kong on Wednesday (August 31).
