Smith Advocates for Kohli’s Inclusion in T20 World Cup
There has been recent speculation about Virat Kohli’s position in the Indian team for the forthcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
Since India’s loss to England in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2022, Kohli has been largely absent from the T20I squad. His only appearances have been in two T20Is during Afghanistan’s tour of India for a three-match series earlier this year.
Amidst the ongoing debate, Steve Smith, one of the modern-day Fab Four, has expressed his support for Kohli, emphasizing his importance in significant tournaments like the T20 World Cup.
“He [Kohli] plays the situation,” Steve Smith told Star Sports. “Some wickets you play on, your strike rate doesn’t need to be high. You play according to what’s in front of you. We have seen Virat play some masterclass innings and get his team over the line, whether it has been RCB or India.
“I’ve been on the opposition in the Australian team when he has done this against us on numerous occasions.”
Kohli has consistently proven his worth for India in high-pressure situations during the T20 World Cup over the years.
During the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022, Kohli scored an unbeaten 53-ball 82* to help India secure an opening victory against Pakistan.
One of his most celebrated performances was during a tense encounter against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2022 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where he led India to a remarkable victory with an unbeaten 82 off just 53 deliveries.
Prior to this memorable performance, Kohli had delivered crucial innings against Australia (scoring 82* off 51 balls) in the 2016 edition and South Africa (registering 74* off 42 balls) in 2014, showcasing his ability to excel in high-stakes situations on the T20 World Cup stage.
During the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2016, Mohali witnessed a Virat Kohli masterclass.
Smith highlighted the invaluable contribution of seasoned players like Kohli, who have the experience of performing under immense pressure on the grandest stages.
“What we know is that he plays extremely well under pressure,” Smith added. “He loves that. It’s those players who you want in your team when you go into the World Cup and face pressure situations. You want the experienced players who stand up in those situations, and Virat is certainly one of those.”
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and West Indies is set to commence on 1 June. India will be in action on 5 June against Ireland, followed by a much-anticipated clash against Pakistan on 9 June. Both matches will be held at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.