Kris Srikkanth believes Virat Kohli is essential for the T20 World Cup

New Delhi, March 15 (IANS) – Former India captain and ex-chairman of selection committee Kris Srikkanth has come out in strong support of Virat Kohli’s inclusion in the Indian T20 World Cup squad, refuting rumors questioning his place.

Kohli recently made his T20 comeback against Afghanistan after a gap since the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final. The selection committee indicated their intention to include Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the T20I lineup for the upcoming World Cup, citing their past contributions.

Srikkanth emphasized Kohli’s crucial role in team success, citing his stellar performance in the previous T20 World Cup where he led India to the semi-finals and was named Man of the Tournament.

“No chance. It’s not possible to be without Virat Kohli at the T20 World Cup. If India have to win the T20 World Cup, Virat Kohli is a must in the squad,” Srikkanth said on his YouTube show, dismissing speculations about Kohli’s exclusion.

The BCCI has reportedly left the selection decisions to the committee and team management. Addressing concerns about Kohli’s strike rate in T20Is, Srikkanth praised his adaptability and importance as a reliable anchor in the batting order.

“You need a guy who can just stay there. Without Virat Kohli, the Indian team cannot go. We need Virat Kohli, 100 percent,” Srikkanth reiterated, stressing the necessity of having Kohli in the squad for the World Cup.

Srikkanth urged the Indian team to rally behind Kohli and aim for World Cup glory as a tribute to his contribution to Indian cricket, drawing comparisons to Sachin Tendulkar’s iconic 2011 World Cup win and advocating similar recognition for Kohli.

Virat is expected to join RCB ahead of their season opener against Chennai Super Kings on March 22.