Indian captain Rohit Sharma has given his full backing to Virat Kohli, saying that the team needs Kohli “at any cost” in the T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the USA in June.
Over the past week, there had been reports suggesting that the BCCI and the selectors were strongly considering omitting Virat Kohli from the T20 World Cup. The selectors were reportedly sceptical of Kohli’s T20 game, about his strike rate, and issues against spinners.
Earlier, a report in The Telegraph stated that the BCCI chief selector of the men’s team, Ajit Agarkar, has spoken with Virat Kohli about his batting in the shortest format, and whether he’d be able to buy into the team’s aggressive gameplan.
The report claimed that Kohli needs to have a great season with RCB to push himself into the T20 World Cup squad. This led to a huge furore on social media, given Kohli is the best batter in the T20 World Cup history, and arguably the greatest in T20Is and IPL.
“Rohit Sharma said we need Virat Kohli at any cost in T20 World Cup”
Now, though, Kirti Azad, the former India all-rounder who is close to some people in the BCCI, has confirmed publically that Rohit Sharma has told Jay Shah the team needs Kohli in the T20 World Cup team “at any cost”. Azad was, in particular, severe against the heavy involvement of Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary, in the process of selection.
Kirti Azad tweeted: “Why should Jay Shah, he is not a selector, to give responsibility to Ajit Agarkar to talk to the other selectors and convince them that Virat Kohli is not getting a place in the T20 team. For this, time was given till 15th March. If sources are to be believed, Ajit Agarkar was neither able to convince himself nor the other selectors.
“Jay Shah asked Rohit Sharma too but Rohit said we need Virat Kohli at any cost. Virat Kohli will play the T20 World Cup and its official announcement will be made before the team selection. Nincompoops should not invovle themselves in selection process.”
Virat Kohli currently is now preparing for this return to action through the IPL 2024.
Also Read: [Watch] Dhruv Jurel Gets A Salute Welcome From RR At Team Hotel Ahead Of IPL 2024
