Irfan Pathan Explains Why India Need Virat Kohli "In Top Form" For T20 World Cup

22.08.2022 - 09:21 sports.ndtv.com

Virat Kohli's lean patch has been much discussed and the star batter even took a break from cricket, missing India's tours of the West Indies and Zimbabwe.

He is, however, set to return to action when India take on arch-rivals Pakistan in their opening Asia Cup fixture on Sunday.

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan opined that more than the Asia Cup, Kohli will be key in the 2022 T20 World Cup in October-November, and India would need him at his best when the marquee tournament in Australia comes around. "As far as the mind is concerned, what Virat Kohli will be thinking, what kind of mindset he will be coming in with and playing the matches, I think yes, Asia Cup is very, very important but when I look forward to the World Cup, where the pitches will be very, very good in Australia, which he likes, he thrives on Australian pitches, he's done really well," Pathan said on Star Sports' show 'Gameplan'. "So Indian team needs Virat Kohli in top form.

He comes back from Asia Cup in top form, I think it's a win-win situation for Virat Kohli and the Indian team," he said. #INDvPAK and his #T20I for #TeamIndia - how should @imVkohli approach?Join the conversation with @IrfanPathan, @cricketaakash, @jatinsapru and Sanjay Bangar only on #GamePlan:Tonight, 11 PM | Repeat: Tomorrow, 9:30 AM | Star Sports Network pic.twitter.com/9qLUqSL68j Asked what happens if Kohli does not have a great Asia Cup campaign, Pathan said India may need to look at other options.

cricket 2022 cup Virat Kohli Asia Cup Australia Zimbabwe India Pakistan Sanjay

While there has been a raging debate about who should play for India between Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik in the T20I team, Cheteshwar Pujara said that ideally both wicketkeepers should make the playing XI come the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia. While Dinesh Karthik, picked to play the finisher's role, barely got a chance to bat in the Asia Cup, while Rishabh Pant could not impress when he did get to bat. But Pujara still thinks that Pant should be in the middle order, with Karthik continuing as finisher.

"Don't Think He'll Be Good Option For India:" Ex-Pakistan Captain On Bhuvneshwar Kumar's Prospects in T20 World Cup

Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt feels veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar won't be a good option for Team India in the T20 World Cup. Bhuvneshwar picked 11 wickets in the ongoing Asia Cup, but leaked a lot of runs in the death overs. He bagged a five-for in India's final game of the Super 4 stage against Afghanistan on Thursday. While suggesting that Bhuvneshwar is an excellent new-ball bowler, Butt feels that the Bhuvneshwar lacks pace, which makes it easier for the batters to target him in the death.

"T20 Cricket Needs To Explore...": Ex-India Batter On Toss Playing Crucial Role in Asia Cup

The Asia Cup final will be played between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Sunday at the Dubai International Stadium. India who were being touted as the favourites failed to make it to the final after winning just one game out of three while Afghanistan lost all of their Super 4 matches. However, former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has now highlighted how toss played a big role in the tournament. He also highlighted that India lost tosses in their three Super 4 games while Afghanistan lost two.

'Do you want me to sit out?': KL Rahul's counter-query when asked if Virat Kohli should open in T20Is

Virat Kohli, who struck his maiden T20I century during Asia Cup match against Afghanistan, should continue to bat as an opener going into World Cup alongside Rohit Sharma. With Rohit Shama opting out of inconsequential contest against Afghanistan, Kohli opened the batting with Rahul. The question was loaded because if Kohli opens the batting, it would mean that Rahul, whose T20 batting approach is already under the scanner, would have to sit out. "Toh kya mai khud baith jaun? (So then should I sit out?)," a perplexed Rahul, obviously not one bit amused, counter-questioned. The Indian vice-captain firmly believes that Kohli is not dependent on opening slot to get a huge score.

India's T20 World Cup team likely to be picked on September 16, selectors fret over Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness

TOI understands that the Indian cricket board (BCCI) intends to pick its team on September 16. As the deadline approaches, the selectors and team management are fretting over the fitness of premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah has been out of action since the England tour in July due to a back injury. Harshal Patel is also recovering from a rib injury.

"So Should I Sit Out?" KL Rahul Responds When Asked If Virat Kohli Should Open In T20Is

Star batter Virat Kohli finally ended the wait for his 71st international ton as he registered his first T20I century and he went on to play an unbeaten knock of 122 runs off just 61 balls against Afghanistan in India's final Super 4 clash of the ongoing Asia Cup on Thursday at Dubai International Stadium. Kohli came out to open the batting alongside stand-in skipper KL Rahul as Rohit Sharma was rested for this fixture, which was a dead rubber. Rahul and Kohli shared a 119-run opening stand, which also saw Rahul scoring 62 runs off 41 balls.