Virat Kohli, arguably India’s greatest all-format batter, has been going through a lean patch for quite some time with his last international century coming in 2019. The RCB star could only manage 341 runs in 16 matches during IPL 2022, averaging just 22.73 with a strike rate of 115.98. He also registered 3 golden ducks in the season.

Former cricketer Wasim Jaffer questioned Virat Kohli's position in India's T20I squad, claiming that the influx of younger players like Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, and Deepak Hooda who have proved their mettle at the highest level has put Kohli’s position in doubt.

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While Kohli will have opportunities, Jaffer stated to ESPNCricinfo that the star batter’s place in the T20I lineup is no longer a given because so many young players have been succeeding in the shortest format.

“Kohli plays, there’s no doubt about it but his form will be taken into consideration. His IPL strike rate hasn’t been great. He’s not been in the best of forms. Deepak Hooda can give you an option with bowling so that will be taken into consideration but not straightaway. I’d say Kohli will get an opportunity to play a few matches and then probably selectors will take a call but I don’t think he’ll be a certainty because so many young players have done so well. In the last T20 World Cup, the strike rate, that approach, was questioned and I think we need to keep looking at the future," said Jaffer.

Jaffer continued by saying that over the next few months, the 33-year-old must deliver and fully capitalize on the opportunities.

“I’m not gonna sit here and say ‘leave Kohli out’. I’d be wanting that if I was in the England side. It’s a big decision to make. India have got so many good players coming through their system but Kohli’s got to come in. What do they say, form is temporary, class is permanent," said the former India opener.

The flamboyant batter will feature in India’s second T20I against England on Saturday (July 9) at the Edgbaston Stadium.

(ESPNcricinfo Inputs)