Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar has backed Virat Kohli, despite being his lean patch. Notably, it was Vengsarkar, who selected Kohli for the first time in the national team, backed him too and believed he will do well in the rescheduled Test against England. Along with him, he also applauded India all-rounder Hardik Pandya for his return.

“I am sure because he (Kohli) is a world-class player. He’s done well and is so fit. He is just not scoring in the T20s but I think he’ll come back strong, especially in the Test in England. He and Rohit Sharma, I expect big runs in England,” said Vengsarkar. “The way he (Hardik) came back from injury is great. He must have worked very hard on his fitness. He did very well in the IPL and as a captain he did well. (He is a) very fine all-rounder. He led from the front. He guided the team in his first major tournament as captain (of Gujarat Titans). An all-rounder plays an important role in any team.”

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However, Hardik Pandya led the Gujarat Titans to their maiden IPL title in IPL 2022 where he led from the front by smashing 487 runs and claiming eight wickets as well. He also lauded Umran Malik, who made headlines with his stunning pace in IPL. He has picked up 22 wickets in 14 games for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2022.

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“I hope so because he (Umran) is a very exciting talent. He did well in the IPL and he deserves a chance as he looked the best bowler in the format. I hope he is on the plane and I am sure he will do well if given an opportunity,” Dilip Vengsarkar further stated. “He (Umran) is young and raring to go. You must give an opportunity to someone who is in form. He is young, keen to play and hungry for success.”