Following his scintillating half-century, which won RCB their clash against PBKS, Virat Kohli took an indirect swipe at his doubters, and, many feel, at Ravi Shastri, Kohli’s former India head coach.
In the chase of 177, Kohli clobbered 77 runs in 49 balls with the help of 11 fours and 2 sixes, and produced another chase masterclass.
As expressive and unburdened Virat Kohli was with the bat, he also launched it out of the park with the mike in hand in the post-match presentation ceremony.
There had been reports of the BCCI selectors not wanting to pick Kohli for the T20 World Cup. Former India head coach Ravi Shastri backed this thought of the BCCI during the MI vs GT match when he said India need ‘youth, flamboyance and dash’ in the T20 WC.
I’ve still got: Virat Kohli hits back at Shastri and all doubters
Virat Kohli had hit back at Shastri and all doubters in style.
He said, “I know my name is now attached to just promoting the game in different parts of the world when it comes to T20 cricket. But I’ve still got it I guess. That’s the promise I can give here – I’ll keep turning up and keep trying my best.”
During the MI vs GT match, Kevin Pietersen and Shastri talked over Kohli’s place in the T20 World Cup team. While Pietersen believes Kohli is imperative to Team India, Shastri reckoned he’s disposable.
![[Watch] Virat Kohli Cracks 4 Fours In 1st Over Against Sam Curran In RCB vs PBKS Match](https://thecricketlounge.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMG_7316.webp)
“The World Cup is happening in the USA. India are playing Pakistan in New York. You’d want someone like a Virat Kohli to help the game grow,” Pietersen said.
“It’s not about growing the game, it’s about winning the competition. The game will grow wherever it needs to grow. What I’m trying to say is no baggage. And India won in 2007 T20 World Cup with a young side. You want youth. You want flamboyance. You want that dash,” Shastri replied.
Dropping Virat Kohli means a big hit to both the ICC and the broadcasters, and, fans feel, to Team India’s chances of lifting the T20 World Cup again.
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