Indian head coach Rahul Dravid has revealed that Virat Kohli is the team’s sixth bowling option in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023. Dravid said that Kohli can chip in and bowl a couple of overs for the team, especially in the absence of Hardik Pandya, who has been ruled out of the tournament with an injury.
India have been using just five bowlers in the tournament so far, but Dravid admitted that they might need a sixth bowling option as the tournament progresses. He said that Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Suryakumar Yadav are all potential options who can bowl a bit.
“Yes, we will not be in a position to have sixth bowling option,” Rahul Dravid said. “But we have a wrong-footed inswinger menace whom we can back for a couple of overs. He was close to doing so in the last game with the crowd pushing him to do so. The response of the team and the players have been really good. Surya can bowl, so can Rohit.”
WATCH – Babar Azam Celebrates Fakhar Zaman’s Century In Suresh Raina Way
Dravid also praised Kohli for his relaxed and positive attitude in the tournament so far. He said that Kohli is not worried about his centuries or his birthday, but is focused on doing what he can to help the team win.
https://t.co/4uaco1BV8c pic.twitter.com/E2Cv89F08Y
— Vinay Mallenahalli (@Semperfiunited) November 4, 2023
“Virat has been really relaxed and keen to do what he has been doing for India,” Rahul Dravid said. “I have seen nothing different in how Virat goes about his business, not worried about his 49th or 50th or his birthday.”
Kohli has been in excellent form in the World Cup so far, with 442 runs to his name in five matches. He is also on the verge of equalling Sachin Tendulkar’s record of most centuries in the history of ODIs.
WATCH – Kane Williamson Takes A Staggering Catch To Dismiss Abdullah Shafique
It will be interesting to see if Kohli is used as a bowler in the upcoming matches. He has not bowled regularly for India in recent years, but he has proven to be a handy bowler in the past. If he can bowl a few overs consistently, it will give India an extra option in the bowling department.
