Steve Smith backs Virat Kohli for T20 World Cup squad in IPL 2024

Australia’s star batter Steve Smith has voiced his support for including Virat Kohli in India’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the United States in June. Kohli’s place has been questioned after his two-month break following the birth of his son, but Smith believes in his ability to perform in big tournaments like the T20 World Cup.

Kohli has been absent from India’s T20I squad since the 2022 T20 World Cup, but his stellar performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup highlights his value in high-pressure situations. Smith praised Kohli’s ability to play according to the situation and deliver masterclass innings to lead his team to victory.

With Kohli’s proven track record of shining in crunch situations in previous T20 World Cups, Smith emphasized the importance of experienced players like Kohli in handling pressure on the grandest stages. India’s campaign in the T20 World Cup kicks off on 5 June against Ireland before facing Pakistan on 9 June at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.

“He [Kohli] plays extremely well under pressure. 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,” said Smith in support of Kohli’s inclusion in the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup.