Virat Kohli has endured a torrid phase at the crease after that fine match-winning half-century in the final of T20 World Cup 2024 against South Africa. Despite some fleeting glimpses of his old self, the form eluded him since then, and many fans and experts jumped to conclusions about the erstwhile India captain’s future in international cricket.
However, cricketing legend Arjuna Ranatunga feels that it’s too early to say so and the pressure is not being created on Kohli. It was Kohli’s performance in the Border-Gavaskar series against Australia that raised some eyebrows as he had scored only 190 runs in nine innings. Then he stayed out of international cricket for a little while, but couldn’t make a significant impact in cricket even after his comeback into domestic cricket.
Virat Kohli missed the first ODI against England in Nagpur due to a knee issue, but upon his return for the second ODI in Cuttack, he was dismissed cheaply for just five runs by England’s Adil Rashid. Despite these setbacks, Ranatunga insists that there’s no need to rush into judgment about Kohli’s future.
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“As far as players like Kohli are concerned, who have racked up a mountain of runs, it’s their decision and they should be left to decide what they want to do with the rest of their careers. Ultimately, it’s his choice, let him take it. Why always put the limelight on him? It is rather unnecessary,” said Arjuna Ranatunga while speaking to The Telegraph.
In fact, he suggested conversations with cricketing legends like Sunil Gavaskar, Dilip Vengsarkar, or Rahul Dravid, as he believes “these legends can certainly help him out.” Arjuna Ranatunga added that he understood the value of seeking guidance from experienced players who have faced similar challenges.
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Ranatunga remained positive about both Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s form. He feels that for players of their class, it is only a matter of one good knock to regain confidence. This theory seemed to come true for Rohit Sharma as he ended his lean patch with a brilliant century in the second ODI against England. All eyes will now be on Kohli as India heads into the third ODI at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on February 12.
