Don’t see why Virat Kohli should not play ICC T20 World Cup 2024: Sanjay Bangar

Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar believes that Virat Kohli’s experience, skill, and ability to perform under pressure make him an indispensable part of India’s squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, which will be played in the West Indies and US from June 4 to 30.

Kohli was a member of the Indian squad that advanced to the semifinals of the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia and played a sensational 82-run knock in the high-octane group clash against Pakistan to help India secure a last-ball thrilling win at the MCG. In fact, he finished the tournament with 296 runs in six matches at an average of 98.67 and a strike rate of 136.41. However, neither Kohli nor Rohit Sharma have played a T20I for India since the World Cup.

“Hundred per cent, he should be there in the T20 team. What he did in the previous T20 World Cup and in those close matches, I don’t see the reason why he can’t be seen playing T20 cricket and next year’s T20 World Cup,” Bangar said on the YouTube channel Cricket Basu’.

Bangar emphasized that Kohli’s experience and ability to perform under pressure make him an invaluable asset for the team. He dismissed concerns about Kohli’s strike rate, arguing that it is the player’s performance in crucial games that truly matters. He cited Kohli’s spirited performance in the India-Pakistan game as a testament to his big-match temperament.

Bangar argued that Kohli’s style of play, which involves scoring without necessarily hitting sixes, is a valuable asset. This was evident when Kohli scored a century against Gujarat Titans in IPL 2023 without hitting a single six.

“You know that in big situations where emotions run high, one small mistake could cost you dear. You need big players who have gone through those situations. At that point, it doesn’t really matter what your strike rate is, or what you have done in the IPL, in big games you require big match players. He (Kohli) showed such spirit in the India-Pakistan game.”