Virat Kohli is slated to return for the Asia Cup tournament later this month. Former Pakistan cricketer Danish Kaneria has issued a stern warning to Kohli. Kaneria believes that Kohli should have skipped a few IPL games to gear up for international fixtures. The former Pakistan spinner feels that fringe players are raising their hand at every opportunity presented hence making the competition within the team stronger. India is planning to make a second national team.
For former India captain Virat Kohli, the Asia Cup 2022 event would be of the utmost importance.
Since IPL 2022, Kohli has played in only one international match for India—the tour of England, which regrettably ended on a dismal note due to Kohli’s persistent batting difficulties.
While Kohli was absent for the tour of the West Indies and the upcoming one-day internationals in Zimbabwe, he is expected to return later this month for the Asia Cup event.
While India has found capable replacements for Kohli, the former Pakistani cricketer Danish Kaneria has warned people.
Kohli was rested for the home series against South Africa and the tour of Ireland, and then he only managed to score 12 runs in two T20Is against England and 33 runs in two ODIs before being sidelined again for the West Indies and Zimbabwe tour.
Kaneria criticised Kohli in an interview with India Today, saying that the cricketer should have played in more international matches to get back into shape.
According to the seasoned player, Kohli would have been better served by skipping a few IPL matches in order to better prepare for the next international competition.
If he wants to play for a few more years, he needs to produce, thus I think he should devote more time to cricket and work on his batting.
I don’t think he should have missed those international games. He made a mistake by not playing in international cricket, which may have helped him get back into shape and play better in the IPL. His performance may suffer if he doesn’t get enough game time (at Asia Cup).
After the England series, he was benched. Perhaps he might have regained his form by playing domestic cricket in England.
The Asia Cup will see him in prime form. Former Pakistan spinner Azhar Ali thinks Kohli’s name is being brought up more more than usual because periphery players are seizing every available opportunity to prove themselves, hence increasing the level of competitiveness within the squad.
India is considering forming a second national squad to compete against other countries.
Suryakumar (Yadav), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rahul Tripathi, and K.L. Rahul are all expected to return from injury.
