India’s star batter Virat Kohli is back to scoring runs consistently after enduring an extended lean patch. He has slammed two centuries each in Tests and ODIs this year so far besides a couple of tons in the IPL 2023 season for RCB

With nearly a month to go for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar explained why Kohli is indispensable to Team India in the 50-over format.

"Great player who has had a great journey. But people change, players change and skills change as well. At this stage, you see that Rohit Sharma, his greatest skill and impact is visible in Test cricket. I expect Virat to have a great World Cup," Manjrekar said while speaking to Star Sports.

After regaining his form in the Asia Cup last year, Virat Kohli hasn’t looked back. He was the highest run-getter in the 2022 edition of T20 World Cup in Australia.

Kohli had scored 296 runs in the marquee event from six innings, including a match-winning knock of 82 not out in 53 balls against arch-rivals Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

India will open their 2023 World Cup campaign against five-time champions Australia in Chennai on October 8 and Manjrekar expects Kohli to shine once again in the showpiece tournament.

"With his current state of play, you would think that 50-overs is just the right format for him. On the big stage, he has done it for India on many occasions. You get excited about many young and rising players. But on a big night, we need a player, who has been there, done that. That is where Virat becomes so valuable for India," he remarked.