Last Updated on 5 months by Charbel Coorey
Cricket News: Chairman of Selection Committee Ajit Agarkar shares the thought behind Virat Kohli in the India squad
Ajit Agarkar, former India fast bowler and current Chairman of the Senior Selection Committee, has said the selection of Virat Kohli in the T20 World Cup squad comes down to having experience at the top level. He said that there remains a gap between the Indian Premier League (IPL) and international cricket, so it is important not to discount all senior players.
“With regards to how it’s going in the IPL, you’re still going to a World Cup, it’s still international cricket” Agarkar said. “There is still that gap there, so you’ve got to prepare knowing there is that gap there, and that’s where experience does matter a lot.”
“You try and take the positives that are happening in the IPL. Some of the form of the guys, the new guys coming through,” he continued. “But, at the end of the day, when you turn up for a World Cup game, the pressures are a little bit different.”
No concerns around Virat Kohli’s strike rate – Ajit Agarkar
There has been lots of debate around Virat Kohli’s strike rate and approach in this season’s IPL. Among some quality knocks such as his 44-ball 70* against GT, Kohli also scored the equal-slowest IPL hundred and hit 51 off 43 balls on a flat pitch in Hyderabad, which came in for criticism from fans and pundits.
However, Kohli’s form overall has been excellent. In the first 10 games of IPL 2024, the RCB opener struck 500 runs at an average of 71.42 and strike rate of 147.79 to be well in contention for the Orange Cap.
It is a sentiment that Agarkar echoed. He said there have been no discussions around Kohli’s strike rate.
“I don’t think we have been discussing it [Kohli’s strike rate]”, Agarkar said. “He’s been in great form fortunately in the IPL, so no concerns there at all.”
Kohli has an outstanding record in T20 World Cups. In 25 innings, he has struck 1,141 runs at an average of 81.5 and strike rate of 131.3 with 14 50+ scores. This includes the memorable and scarcely-believable 82* against Pakistan in the last edition in 2022.
Agarkar also added that he still feels India are well equipped to compete even in high-scoring games. This is despite the controversial call to name specialist finisher Rinku Singh among the reserves.
“If the tournament does turn out like the IPL where 220 plays 220, I think we still have enough in the team, the balance, the power… that you can match that.”
India’s World Cup campaign begins on Wednesday 5th June against Ireland in New York.
