Former South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn said that he believes star India batter Virat Kohli is an automatic choice for the T20 World Cup 2024, claiming that teams need experienced players in major tournaments and there is no other better than him. Notably, Kohli will return to action in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League.

Speaking to reporters in an interaction organised by Star Sports, Dale Steyn said that Virat Kohli needs runs in IPL 2024 to return to form, but a player like him is sure shot selection in the T20 World Cup squad. However, Steyn’s comments came days after former India chief selector Kris Srikkanth slammed ‘rumour-mongers’ following speculation over Virat Kohli’s place in the T20 World Cup squad.

“Look, it’s very important that he does score runs. But, at the end of the day, I look at runs like someone’s bank balance. Virat Kohli has got stacks of runs stored over many years. That’s going to work in his favour. When India are looking to pick a team for the World Cup, they are going to look for guys who have been there and done that. It’s extremely important that he does score runs this IPL to put him into good form going into the World Cup. But in terms of selection, it is safe to say Virat Kohli will be going to the World Cup,” Dale Steyn said.

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli has not played competitive cricket since a T20I series against Afghanistan in January as he didn’t play in the recently-concluded 5-Test series against England to be with his wife Anushka Sharma during the birth of their second child, Akaay as well.

“There are several contenders who have come up because of the break that Virat Kohli has had from the format. But when you look at guys who take you over the line at the World Cups, it’s most of the time guys who have been there and done that. Virat Kohli is certainly one of those guys,” Dale Steyn concluded.