Virat Kohli He made his long-awaited return to T20 internationals after 429 days during India’s second match against Afghanistan in Indore on Sunday. He opted out of the first T20I due to personal reasons but was immediately included in the second T20I replacing Tilak Varma in the team. Former Indian cricketer Saba Karim believes Tilak Varma’s exclusion was due to the depth of the Indian team.
Virat Kohli’s last appearance in the shortest format was in the semi-finals of the ICC T20 World Cup 2022, where India suffered a crushing 10-wicket defeat against England, who became champions. Apart from him, Yashasvi Jaiswal was also included in the playing XI as he missed the first game due to right groin pain. He replaced Shubman Gill in the XI and scored 68 off just 34 balls to prove his worth.
Shubman Gill and Tilak Varma were subtle with the bat in the series opener on Thursday in Mohali, scoring 23 off 12 and 26 off 22 balls respectively. However, Shubman Gill was involved in a moment of clumsiness that led to the Indian captain’s exit. Rohit Sharma. He was watching the ball instead of responding to Rohit’s call as the latter tried to take a single after hitting the ball in the middle region.
Former Indian cricketer Saba Karim feels that the batsmen did not lose their place in the playing XI because of their subdued performance with the bat, but because of the depth of the team. He mentioned that Tilak Varma would have been a little disappointed not to have sealed his place in the team. “I know Tilak Varma has done very well, but I have said that he will be a little disappointed that he has not yet sealed his place (in the team).” Saba Karim said after Tilak’s omission while speaking to Jio Cinema.
It is difficult for youngsters like Tilak Varma to seal his place in the team
India thrashed Afghanistan in the second T20I by 6 wickets after chasing 173 in just 15.4 overs. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shivam Dube were India’s batting stars as they posted a 92-run stand for the third wicket. Yashasvi scored a quickfire 68 off just 34 balls, while Shivam Dube was unbeaten on 63 off 32 balls. Virat Kohli’s return in the shortest format saw him play a spirited innings scoring 29 off 16 balls.
Saba Karim believes that the abundance of players available makes it difficult for youngsters like Tilak Varma to seal their place in the squad. Experienced players always have an advantage when it comes to being part of the playing eleven. He feels that a player like Virat Kohli will surely be in the playing XI because of the experience and quality he brings to the team.
“None of the players who are sidelined are sidelined because of poor performance… It’s just that India has a lot of quality players and if a player like Virat Kohli comes back, he will surely be in the starting eleven.” Saba Karim added.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shivam Dube have announced themselves on the international stage in the shortest format and the selectors must consider them while choosing the team for the T20 World Cup 2024. The T20 World Cup will begin on June 1, but before that, all Players take to the IPL stage to showcase their skills and present themselves as contenders for a spot in the World Cup team.
